Brandon Medders on a different big stage?

Very cool piece today on Brandon Medders from mlb.com. The 28-year-old relief pitcher from Alabama apparently gets as amped up playing guitar as he does stepping on the mound.

"Sweaty palms," Medders says with a laugh. "You get the adrenaline rush, but once you get going, it's turns out to be pretty cool. Playing in front of huge crowds, I tend to get nervous, but once I settle down, I play pretty good."

Last year he traveled with his electric guitar and amplifier while he was with both the D-backs and Triple-A Tucson, and plans to continue to carry it around this year and jam with fellow D-back guitarists Brandon Webb, Brandon Lyon, and Conor Jackson.

Well, hopefully Medders can make the Opening Day roster at this point. It's going to be tough given the bullpen is just about full. Prior to his rough time last season, he had shown he could be very effective at this level. So, it's really a matter of him getting his confidence/cockiness back to where it needs to be to pitch consistently in the majors.

If Doug Slaten is still out of commission (coming back from microfracture knee surgery) when the season starts, Medders has a chance to grab that spot at least on a temporary basis. Since Medders is out of options, he would have to clear waivers before being able to be demoted back to Tucson. He's in a tough spot, but if he can make the most of it this spring, he can control his own destiny and stay with the club long term.