Matt Clark looked like the top first baseman in the Padres system at the end of 2010.  Putting up great numbers in pitcher friendly Wolff stadium, Clark was the best offensive player on the AA Missions.  Son of former major league pitcher Terry Clark, Matt essentially grew up in a clubhouse and has the pedigree to make it to the bigs.  Once Adrian Gonzalez was traded in 2010, it was assumed that Anthony Rizzo would now be the first baseman of the future.  A move that forced Clark to play in the outfield in 2011.

After talking to Matt in Tucson this season, he assured me that the transition would be easy.  Nicknamed "Hollywood" by Friarhood writer Matt Baker,  Clark has a million dollar smile, handles interviews interview with ease, and is cool under pressure.  This season Clark finished the year at Tucson with a line of .292/.363/.498/.861.

I had a chance to catch up with Matt during the off season, he talked about winning a silver medal with team USA, ping pong, and Jason Segal.

Never really had a favorite player growing up. Traveling around with my dad while he played allowed me to experience and be around so many great players. There were so many it's to hard to nail it down to just one.

Who has been the most influential person in your baseball career?

Without a doubt my father. He played for so many teams and years it is the true definition of perseverance. Now that I have played a few years it has allowed me to really respect what he had done for so long. He was always there to throw bp to me whenever I wanted and offering knowledge along the way. Without him I don't know where I would be in my career.

What do you think you would be doing now if you weren't playing baseball?

Probably would have went back to lsu to get my degree. I don't think I could ever just get out of baseball, so I probably would find a way to coach high school or college etc.

Tell us about your experience playing for Team USA this offseason.

Truly one of a kind. Never will probably experience something like that again. The relationships you develop in such a short amount of time are unforgettable. Also playing for your country there is no greater honor. To go onto another hostile country and come out with a victory is something you will never forget. Even though we didnt win gold but not to many people can say the have a silver medal at the Olympics.

There really wasn't a whole lot of pranking going on this year. The pcl travel schedule is a good enough prank on its own!

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

This year mostly was relaxing or playing ping pong with the guys but I really am not into those rituals.

How can you compare hitting in the PCL vs. the Texas League?

I really didn't see a whole lot of difference in the league but rather the different style of pitching. The pitchers are a lot smarter and will not give in and just pump you a fastball. So the adjustment period is made just like all leagues. The league is fair except for a couple of places in the league that can be fun to hit at.

What non-baseball teams that you root for?

Dallas cowboys for sure even though they been having a rough season or couple years... Ha ha

So Brad Pitt just played Billy Beane in "Moneyball," who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?

Probably Jason Segal from forgetting Sarah Marshall. Taller guy with dry and sarcastic sense of humor.

Here is an interview I conducted with Matt during one of my visits to Tucson.

Thanks again to Matt Clark. You can keep up with Matt on twitter @mattclark23