Setting up the D’Backs

Hanging out in a crowded locker room in the depths of Dodger Stadium, nearly two hours before a key inter-division game with Los Angeles, Doug Slaten is an imposing presence. At 6-foot, 5-inches, the lanky left-hander towers over a host of teammates, some as little as 5-8.

If not for his stature though, Slaten might be lost in the crowd.

Littered with arguably the best young, up-and-coming talent in Major League Baseball, the Arizona Diamondbacks pre-game gathering has more the feel of a frat party than it does a clubhouse. Players battle on a nearby arcade game, others huddle around a TV showing an Atlanta Braves game, while others clown around in front of their lockers in between turns at the indoor batting cage.

Slaten chooses to partake in more low-key activity. Sitting on a leather coach, the Diamondbacks middle reliever is right at home, quietly sifting through a newspaper, catching up on world events.

But being out of the spotlight and not the center of attention is something that doesn’t overly affect him, because such is the life of a big league relief pitcher. The hero one day, the possible goat the next and in between practically invisible to the casual fan.

Yet it is a life the 27 year old has become accustomed to and a calling he has excelled at.

“He’s been a pleasant surprise,” Diamondbacks Pitching Coach Bryan Price says. “We certainly couldn’t have expected him to do what he’s done so far.”

Playing his first full season in the show, the one-time Glendale Community College player has not only become a viable specialist in the bullpen, he is the only non-starting lefty on the squad.

Usually for this reason, the team’s fate, especially late in ball games, tends to rest in Slaten’s left hand.

“When he comes in there, usually the game is on the line, usually one of their best hitters is up at the plate,” Arizona Manager Bob Melvin says. “So it’s not a situation that he comes into where he has a little leeway to pitch around the guy. He has got to go right at a very important bat in the lineup.”

As quickly as he ascended through the minor leagues last season, Slaten has adapted to his high-pressure role. Even if the innings are sporadic.

“I haven’t pitched too many innings over the season, but there has been a couple of situations against big guys that I’ve come through, so it just feels good to contribute,” Slaten says.