Since making Michael Cuddyer their first-round pick in 1997, the Minnesota Twins have expected big things from the 23-year-old Norfolk, Va., native. The big slugger has not disappointed the organization torching minor league pitchers for 30 home runs at Double-A New Britain in 2001 and 20 homers this season at Triple-A Edmonton.

Feeling that he's accomplished all he could in the minors, the Twins have given Cuddyer (pronounced Cudd-EYE-er) a shot to contribute at the Major League level. In two stints with Minnesota this season, the right fielder is still learning his way, batting .194 with three homers in 24 games. Still, the forecast and expectations remain high. Cuddyer sat down at the Metrodome with MLB.com for the latest installment of "Batting Around."

MLB.com: You were recalled Aug. 31 so the Twins could make you eligible for the postseason roster. What kind of boost is that to your confidence that they think that highly of you?

Michael Cuddyer: It's definitely a confidence boost. They show faith in me being able to come up and contribute in the playoffs. I'm looking to take advantage of the opportunities I get.

MLB.com: Like several veteran Twins players, this will be your first Major League postseason. What are your expectations?

Cuddyer: Hopefully we'll go out and play the type of baseball we've played all season. I think that just because it's the postseason -- yeah, it's a little more intense and there’s a little more riding -- you can't just change your game all of a sudden. You have to continue to play with what you got you there. I'm just going to do the same thing if I can get an opportunity to play.

MLB.com: This season in the Pacific Coast League, what pitchers have you seen, either with Edmonton or the opposition, that people don't know about yet that will make some headway in the Majors?

Cuddyer: You put me on the spot there. I think Colorado Springs had some good pitchers with Jason Young and (Aaron) Cook. They kept the ball down and they're big guys. They throw the ball well. On our team, we have a lot of talented pitching prospects with (Kevin) Frederick, who's already been up here, (Adam) Johnson, and Scott Randall, who went 12-0. And at Salt Lake, there's John Lackey, who is with Anaheim now. There are some quality pitchers down there.

MLB.com: As you've been making your way through the system, have you found either once or repeatedly the perfect home run swing?

Cuddyer: Any hitter will tell you when they get hot that they feel like they can hit anything hard. When you find those hot spots, it's tough to get you out of it. There are balls you can hit out that you don't normally hit out. I've gone through a couple of months where I felt like the ball was a beach ball. No matter what I did, I was able to hit the ball hard. Then there are times when the ball looks like a pill and you can't hit it no matter what. I wouldn't say you can find a perfect home run swing until you hit .1000 and hit a home run every time up.

MLB.com: You grew up in Virginia, which is an area associated with basketball and football more than baseball. What was it like there growing up as a young baseball player?

Cuddyer: It's actually pretty good. The weather is fairly decent in the early spring when baseball starts to get going. It's great during the summer to play. We're starting to get some talent there. We had two first-round picks from my high school (Great Bridge) -- myself and John Curtis. Last year (the state of Virginia) had a first-round pick (David Wright) and this year we had the No. 2 pick in the draft (B.J. Upton). There are guys going to some big-time colleges. The talent is growing down there.

MLB.com: Today is the start of the NFL season. Do you have any interest in that sport and do you have a favorite NFL team?

Cuddyer: I played football in high school. Being from Virginia, you either loved the Redskins or hated the Redskins. I was one of the few that hated the Washington Redskins. So I always picked their rival. I was a Cowboys fan just to spite the Redskins fans. I've grown up a Cowboys fan, although we're hurting now.

MLB.com: Now that you're in the Twin Cities, a major sports market, what has it been like for you when you're out around town?

Cuddyer: It's pretty cool. When you're playing in a minor league city, you can go out for dinner and nobody recognizes you or knows who you are. In a Major League market there's TV all the time and you’re recognized, which is something I'm not used to. But I'm starting to get used to it. It's been fun.

MLB.com: What are some of the things that you do to prepare for a game? Is there anything that sets you apart from other players?

Cuddyer: Not really. Everybody does it a little differently but it's mainly the same thing. I go out and do some early hitting if I need to. I just try to stay as relaxed as I can. I joke around a lot, have a lot of fun and I'm always smiling. I don't take many things very seriously. I go out there, stay loose and get ready for the game.

MLB.com: Twins manager Ron Gardenhire has shown a lot of faith in you during both of your call-ups this season. As a young player with a first-year manager trying to win the division, what does that say to you?

Cuddyer: It's awesome. It makes you feel good about yourself and makes you not want to let him down. I just want to go out there and play the game like I know how. I don't want to put too much pressure on myself, but I also want to succeed.