RHP Zach Simons may be the next in line if a member of the bullpen goes down.

Zach Simons was acquired by the Tigers during the 2008 season from the Colorado Rockies, in exchange for Jason Grilli. Since that time, Simons has quickly made his way from Single-A Lakeland, to Double-A Erie and now to Triple-A Toledo.

He is obviously one of the next pitchers to make their Major League debut with Detroit, as he is likely to be one of the first called upon if a member of the bullpen goes down.

Through six seasons in the minors, Simons holds a 3.97 ERA in 471 innings of work.

I had the opportunity to ask Zach a few questions about baseball, the difference between Colorado and Detroit, and his situation in 2011. Here is the interview…

1. Being born in Idaho, which baseball team did you watch growing up?

ZS: Growing up I was a huge Mariners fan. They were the closest in proximity to Idaho and I just enjoyed there clubs during the 90′s.

2. Which MLB player(s) did you idolize as you grew up in the game of baseball?

ZS: As a kid I grew up idolizing Griffey! The excitement and fun he brought to the game was so contagious for me. As a M’s fan you could say I was devastated with his departure.

3. What did it mean to you to be selected in the 2nd round of the 2005 draft, by a team like Colorado that is in the same general region as your hometown? How did your family/friends react?

ZS: It was a huge honor for me to go as high as the 2nd round. Coming out of such a small town in Idaho it meant not only a lot to me but to my community. Draft day was crazy I had about 50 people over at my families place along with the local news. I had to go outside because everyone was so on edge and when they announced my name I didn’t even hear it. I just heard everyone celebrating.

4. You haven’t started any games since 2006, what do you miss most about being a guy that began the game, rather than somebody who comes in 6th inning or later?

ZS: Being a starter was fun however it doesn’t reflect my personality. Having to wait every 5th day was a challenge for me. For me starting dealt so much with knowing lineups and maintaing my energy leading up to starts. I feel Im more of a guy that needs to know he has a chance to pitch on a nightly basis. I love coming into tight games knowing the team is relying on me to get key outs. I want to be the guy everyone hates seeing late in the game.

5. What quality you had as a starter has made you an even better reliever?

ZS: The quality that I had as a starter that has made me a better reliever is composure, what I mean by composure is being able to control my emotions when things get a little hectic late in the game.

6. Since being dealt to Detroit during the 2008 season, what major differences in the two organizations have you noticed?

ZS: Every organization has different ways of doing business. I’ve been very fortunate to go from one great organization to the next. I’d say the biggest difference is the following the Tigers have. The organization is so rich in history, it was a different atmosphere for me in spring training. Just being able to see how the fans react and are so loyal to the team was awesome.

7. What does it feel like to know you are one of the next guys heading to the big leagues in the organization, especially after your six seasons in the minors?

ZS: I feel like I’ve put myself in a very good spot to be considered. However, I try not to think too much about things that are out of my control. No matter where Im at, whether its Toledo or Detroit, my job is 60 feet 6 inches. It’s an exciting thing to know you’re only one step away but my main goal is to be ready when that chance comes. Going into my 7th season Im excited to see the opportunities to come.

Zach also completed the interview with a good ole “GOOOO TIGERSSSS!!!”.