The Chat Room: A Little Late Night Baseball Talk With Rangers Relievers Jason Grill, Darren O’Day

On Friday night, I decided to try something new and different. I decided to annoy Rangers relievers Jason Grilli and Darren O’Day. We made plans that we’d spend a little time in our own private chat room, talking baseball, the bullpen, the trade deadline and anything else that came to mind. We got kind of a late start – it was actually about 12:40 a.m. before we even got together, but for the next 40 minutes we hit on a lot of stuff, and I think if you read all the way through, you’ll get a pretty good sense of the chemistry, comaraderie and team-first ethic on dispolay out there. It’s long, but I think it’s well worth the read. Just for the record, Evan is indeed me, DOD is O’Day and Grillcheese is Grilli.

Evan: Why is it working so well out there?

DOD: Why is the bullpen working so well?

Grillcheese: Can we have Tiny Dancer playing while in this Tiny Chat room. I got it on Youtube while we talk, performed by Dave Grohl.

Evan: If you got the video and can upload, Hammer man, go for it.

Evan: I mean since Grilli arrived, the ERA is 2.38. Since Darren arrived – and actually put on a jersey with the right name – the ERA is 3.27. It’s good. It’s very good. I don’t think anybody thought it would be this good.

Grillcheese: We all know our roles and they have been defined. I think everyone likes how we mesh up and pick one another up also.

DOD: I think there are so many reasons.

Darren O'Day may be the greatest in-season waiver claim in Rangers history. And he's pretty good on a computer keyboard, too. (Photo: R.P. Washburne)

DOD: Since Grilli got here we defined roles, like he said.

Evan: Well, Darren, you come from an organization that knows a thing or three about constructing a ‘pen, what are your theories?

DOD: I think when I arrived I allowed JJ to slide into the swing man role that is so valuable to any team.

DOD: Look at what Darren Oliver has done for Anaheim the past couple years

Evan: Yeah, he was basically out of the game and he’s become a huge part of their ‘pen.

Grillcheese: I think we are also not so focused on ourselves so much being individuals as opposed to being a team player

Evan: Jason, explain.

Grillcheese: From my past experience and playing in a World Series, this team parallels my experience as far as teammates and the team goes.

DOD: Also I think what has really been underestimated is how seamlessly we push the innings back when Frankie has missed time

DOD: On that end it starts with CJ and his ability to close and goes forward.

Evan: Yeah, you guys lead the league in save percentage and that’s despite having a closer on the DL three different times. That’s pretty amazing.

Grillcheese: Everyone straps it on every night. We are loose and having fun. That takes the pressure off in many ways.

DOD: And from the other end look at what Doug Mathis did the other night.

DOD: Against the Red Sox!

DOD: A week before that, he hadn’t seen the mound in 9 days

Evan: Geez, I think Doug deserves more trust. And I think that performance is going to earn it for him. He’s been brilliant in relief.

DOD: And it seems like everyone has thrown in close situations this year and really shined, from top to bottom.

DOD: Grilli in Arizona.

DOD: Doug the other night.

DOD: Nip vs. the Twins

Evan: Darren, you are right about that. There has been a game where every reliever has had a moment in the sun. I can’t recall previous teams where you can say that about EVERY reliever.

DOD: Yeah, with Anaheim, I never saw a close game after the first couple months of the season.

Grillcheese: Really I think many guys here have had or want to experience the ball in key situations to further their role also if need be .

Evan: But Jason you’ve been on a number of teams, how do you subvert ego the way you guys have, especially when guys are coming in from different organizations?

Grillcheese: We have a lot of weapons and great arms. Pitching is the key and everyone knows that is no secret. We have been fortunate.

Grillcheese: Egos are put to bay real quick. No one likes a “me” guy. Either you are in or you are out. There is no in between. I have been fortunate to play on a World Series team and if guys really want that chance once or more than once in their career, they must learn that it’s team first. How can I contribute?

Evan: I think right now the staff has ultimate trust in just about everybody out there. Can you feel it? Can you feel it when they don’t?

DOD: Some guys can’t pitch in close situations, but from what I’ve seen everyone in the pen relishes it.

Grillcheese: It sounds silly and cliche but the name on the front is more important than that on the back. It is so exciting to pitch when it counts. It sucks when the game is so far out of control that you are merely trying to save arms for the next day

DOD: Yeah, I think right now the Wolfpack morale is high

Evan: I would say there is a no fear approach out there. And I think that is kind of rare. And I think the rotation piling up innings is huge because no matter how well roles are settled, if you are overworked, you are done. It happened last year to Jamey Wright and we’ve seen it happen to other guys in other places.

DOD: I can’t believe we haven’t mentioned the starters yet.

DOD: That’s where it all begins.

DOD: Those guys have been studs all year, and even when they falter, it seems like someone from the pen picks them up

Grillcheese: if guys are fresh and our starters set the pace, we can get the job done right. But as we have shown we are very diverse and really are pulling for each other

Evan: Darren, was all this character stuff there before Jason arrived? Between the Hammer and the Wolfpack, it seems like a lot developed after he got here and I think it all has its very proper place right now.

DOD: The Hammer is definitely a Grilli sensation

Evan: Jason tell the hammer story briefly and then had you ever done anything like that before? Bought a prop?

DOD: I would like to think we planted the roots of the Wolfpack the day the club gathered for spring.

DOD: They just didn’t know that Grilli and I were going to complete it.

Grillcheese: Hammer brother! That is a story in itself. It is like a Seinfeld episode it had no meaning. How it was acquired then became a good luck charm to fixing our bullpen door to learning that Mike Maddux’s saying of being the hammer and not the nail was maybe a coincidence or maybe not.

DOD: We were the two wolfs to be named later.

DOD: But from the second we met Grill we knew he wasn’t going to be disruptive, and was only going to add to the pen.

DOD: Which he has.

Grillcheese: The guys hate it when I give the hammer a rally slam. I feel it gets us going like a Red bull toast, our dancing, all the skits we do. I am not sure we can add more for fans or the media to keep up with. We are just throwing it out there and it all works. So why change it?! Right?!

Evan: I don’t know, Darren. I think, at least from the outside, there was major concern that the bullpen was going to be a weakness. And I mean it’s not like they went out and made big trades. You guys were acquired on the cheap. That’s not to diminish your skill, but rarely do these kinds of pick-ups work out the way you guys have.

DOD: I think there was talent in the pen last year, they were just so overworked that they couldn’t maintain is what I have gathered from the outsider’s perspective.

DOD: But, yeah, we were definitely low risk acquisitions.

Grillcheese: It is so weird because people said I am now labeled the glue but I am not sure I can take credit for that. Really every guy is cool and wants this to be something special. It feels right and we all want the same thing: A chance at playing in October. That is why we work so hard!

DOD: If we hadn’t succeeded we might both be in another pen by now at very little loss to the Rangers, but that hasn’t been the case.

Grillcheese: I agree with Darren. If there is a lot of change, it is hard to build consistency and camaraderie. We definitely have great chemistry here and are running with it!

Evan: Darren, is he the “glue?” He is kind of the vagabond vet who has been around, seen and experienced some things.

DOD: Vagabond……ouch.

Grillcheese: Yeah, I am all over the place.

DOD: I can’t say he’s the only glue. We have so much glue down there.

Grillcheese: Yep. Super Glue, Crazy Glue, Elmer’s Glue, Wood Glue, all kinds of glue. Even some calk maybe.

DOD: Ha, ha. Caulk.

DOD: Some days CJ is. Some days JJ is. I think Doug Mathis has been a huge addition.

Evan: How would you define “glue” for the readers?

Grillcheese: Glue can be a term for money.

Grillcheese: I am cheap, though, some say, for being a vet.

Grillcheese: Ha, ha.

DOD: Glue is a tough one

Evan: I think some people think of glue as leadership. I think it’s something else. It’s not leading, it’s bonding. Agree or disagree?

DOD: On field it’s stranding another guy’s baserunner

Grillcheese: Whatever glue we have, it’s working because we are pitching with the swine flu and all kinds of other stuff.

DOD: Off the field it is so many things.

DOD: Yeah, I would agree it has more to do with the bonding.

Evan: Battling through the flu is really a testament to team work because I know there are other guys out there who aren’t feeling well, but they are doing their jobs.

Grillcheese: Inherited runners is a big stat that is overlooked in the pen.

DOD: Eddie takes care of everyone and keeps the balance right.

DOD: C.J. keeps it light.

Grillcheese: I am maybe the crazy glue then, D?

DOD: Grilli kinda checks on everyone and makes sure all is well with them.

DOD: By far the nicest person down there.

DOD: Ha, ha.

DOD: Once you get that hammer in your hand you are the crazy glue.

Evan: Eddie. We haven’t mentioned Eddie. I don’t know if I’ve ever been around a more consummate pro. Man, he’s solid.

Grillcheese: Eddie is a great teammate and I am so glad to have played with another classy individual along with his accomplishments.

Grillcheese: Hey, D, just be glad it is not a chainsaw or a sledgehammer! Ha!

DOD: Holland when he makes an appearance is kinda like a little brother that we pick on.

Grillcheese: Maybe a caulking gun will be next to fix what I rally slam!

Evan: Everybody picks on Holland. Even the media!

Grillcheese: Give it up for the swing men too! That is so hard to do from one day to the next.

Grillcheese: I believe that pitching a bit in the pen will make a better starter out of some guys and vice versa. You will always have a key situation to get out of.

DOD: I never thought of that.

DOD: I do know that what Holland is doing is tough.

Grillcheese: Holland will get it. Lots to learn and he has the talent. We need our call-ups and rookies to feel like they are here for a reason and that they too are just as important despite some heckling

Evan: We get lots of discussion on the blog about what should happen with Holland. I say, as long as he’s up here and he’s not getting mentally fried, the experience is good. I grew up in an era where eventual starters might have spent two years in the pen. You think the swing deal has impacted him at all?

Evan: Holland has the perfect disposition for that. Actually, I think all the rookie pitchers do. So impressed with makeup of Holland, Hunter, Mathis.

Grillcheese: Kenny Rogers and I had this conversation when I was with Detroit

Evan: And what did you guys say?

Grillcheese: All those guys have the stuff to pitch either way. I was a starter also and got plugged in the pen. I think if I had to start again, it would definitely help but I am enjoying the pen a lot now because I relish the challenges and the opportunity to play every night.

DOD: He’s getting to see it all, but he’ll eventually be a starter, his stuff is pretty unbelievable. The most important part for him is realizing where he is, what he’s doing, and to maintain confidence.

DOD: And guys like Eddy, JJ, and CJ help keep him on the right level.

DOD: Can’t let him get too high or low.

Grillcheese: Kenny said that he pitched in the pen and it helped him be a better starter. We were talking about how at some point you will be in a jam or get out of one. Kinda what I stated earlier.

Evan: People forget that Kenny was a reliever here for several years before going on to win 200 games. Experience is invaluable.

Grillcheese: Great teammate and loads of knowledge. I loved listening to him talk.

DOD: Exactly, it might take a young starter a couple seasons to find his groove, just like it might take a young reliever a couple teams to find the right one!

Evan: Well played, Darren. Well played.

Grillcheese: If we can get these guys to realize that they are pitching in big games every night and really have handled the ups and downs and look at where we still stand. I think the rookies have done a tremendous job.

DOD: Hommy Tunter pitches like a veteran.

DOD: The same can be said about Doug Mathis, even though he’s just a Rook.

Evan: Hunter: A guy who learned from failure in the majors last year. See, that’s the right makeup for me. Rare is the guy who comes in and immediately gets it.

DOD: You know who that reminds me of? Nick Adenhart, he went through the same stuff as Hunter last year.

Evan: Speaking of which, you accept the notion that guys learn more from failure than from success?

DOD: I do. Success is very easy, failure is the tough part.

DOD: That’s when you find out if you’re going to stick around.

Evan: Wow. Elaborate, Darren. You knew Nick pretty well, didn’t you?

DOD: Yeah, he was a good buddy. I thought of him when I saw the Angels are looking at Kazmir and Halladay. They wouldn’t need them if Nick was still pitching.

DOD: But he struggled last year trying to “outstuff” big leaugers as I’ve seen Holland do occasionally this year. I didn’t see Hunter pitch last year, but I’m sure he tried.

Evan: I was debating whether to ask you how Nick’s death affected you early in the year, but I think it had some kind of impact.

Grillcheese: Sorry guys I am not going into the Nick convo. Letting you discuss here for a bit.

Evan: Hey, I don’t want to drag this down.

Grillcheese: it is cool. I feel keep his name out there. Memories, brother. That is why I write some initials in the dirt when I pitch. It is all good

DOD: Yea, we can save that for some other time, I’m sure at one point in every player’s career something happens that really makes baseball unimportant, if only temporarily.

DOD: it’s just more newsworthy because he was part of the game and the way it happened

Grillcheese: So question is…are you gonna invest or not?

DOD: We haven’t talked about our D yet either.

Grillcheese: We can blow up every aspect of our team because we are confident and trust one another. Because we are winning everyone will only talk about how great our team is and was. That is what this is all about. I am pumped to see how people are talking. I have been listening and getting that feeling like we are really that good. This is no joke! We can play with any team and win with what we have.

Grillcheese: With that being said we probably won’t get another or need another addition with the trade deadline coming. We like what we have among ourselves, and will continue to play together with what we have! If there is something the club feels is missing then that is up to them but I like what we roll out there every night.

Evan: That’s really well-said, Jason.

DOD: As for the trade deadline … I don’t envy the front office having to figure out where to subtract from this team.

DOD: That’s a tough one.

Evan: I don’t think the front office will subtract from the major league roster right now. If a trade is going to get done, I think it’s going to come from the farm system exclusively. But there are a lot of factors (money) that make it really complicated.

DOD: Right, but to add to the team someone is going to have to come off the 25-man.

Evan: The 25-man roster is a consideration. That could get squirmy.

DOD: Unless you wait until September.

DOD: The way it’s been going lately, I wouldn’t know who that would be.

Grillcheese: It is always crazy around deadline time. Some people get antsy because of moves and such. Getting traded is very unsettling and takes a bit to feel entirely apart of things. Baseball part is easy. It is all else that can be difficult for all parties involved.

Evan: OK, Jason, I think we are getting to the plug part of our presentation where you can plug your marketing company? Your Twitter account?

Grillcheese: Sure, thanks. People can follow me at twitter.com/Grillcheese49 and learn more about my side business. I love marketing and studied it at school. Thank God baseball worked out. With being away from home and being a gadget guy this all came together for me. I formed a corporation called Perfect Pitch Marketing Group. We are specializing in the internet marketing of VOIP video phone service.

Grillcheese: My website is www.perfectpitchmarketing.net. I am working on a lot of website modifications. Slowly, but surely the look and information will be organized better, but this is what I have for now.

Evan: And now Jason has been able to pitch all his ventures. I’d make a great late-night talk show host.

DOD: Ha, ha, ha.

Grillcheese: Appreciate the plug

Evan: So let’s finish it off with this: Do you guys think a trade gets made here or not? Gut instinct.

DOD: I wish I was more enterprising like the Grillman

Grillcheese: Gotta have back up bro.

Grillcheese: I am going to say no but I may be the wrong person to ask. I have been traded, but as I stated I like what we have. It has gotten us here and at some point the club needs to really take a look at what changing the chemistry a bit might do.

Grillcheese: Is it worth it?

Evan: DOD?

Grillcheese: Our pitching staff has shown that we can hold it down. If they feel that a veteran that wants to come to Texas won’t veto a trade then that would be it.

DOD: Tough one. If it’s someone that will undeniably make our team better then I’d be ok with it, but we’ve come this far with the guys we have. We could make a run at 100 wins if we keep playing like we are, so I’m gonna say no.

Evan: OK, you guys have been most excellent to stay up late with his on a Friday night/Saturday morning. At least we’re keeping you from getting the swine flu!

DOD: No problem, I’ve enjoyed it.

Grillcheese: If these are the cards we have in our deck than lets play ‘em. I believe in sticking with the plan. After all I am the glue right? Ha, ha. Get it? Stick to the plan? Ha, ha. Bad joke too late now

Evan: Say goodnight, boys (and plug anything else you need to plug, Grilli, like maybe Jason Grilli Hammer night?)

DOD: Wow. I can hear the crickets after that joke

Evan: That was really awful. That’s staying in the transcript it’s so bad.

DOD: Geek.

DOD: Jason Grilli line of hair products.

Grillcheese: I just want to see where all the fans get creative with all they are learning and so interested in us. We are like animals at a zoo. Please do not feed the wolves! Ha. Ha

DOD: Best hair in the big leagues

Grillcheese: Yes I would be a hall of famer if hair was the game

Evan: Yes, there is quite a bit of coiffing out there. Take care. Thanks again.