When Jason Grilli pitched for the Iron Pigs in his home town of Syracuse just before the All-Star break, he felt like he had earned himself a call up to the Major Leagues. That became a reality on Thursday, but not with the Philles organization that he had spent the entire triple-A season playing for. Grilli is instead in Pittsburgh, preparing to suit up for the Pirates as they open a weekend series against the Cardinals on Friday. This is a sweet scenerio for the former Baldwinsville Bee who missed all of last season with a knee injury. That is all behind him now, as he's passed his physical, and has signed a new contract he hopes will keep him in the Major Leagues for the remainder of his career.

"I worked extremely hard to get to this point and I'm being rewarded for my efforts. It's just wonderful, and I can see already, my hotel is right across from the ballpark and this town is just buzzing all about the Pirates right now, so it's pretty cool to be a part of."

Grilli had a clause in his Phillies contract that allowed him not to be stuck in the minor leagues if another Major League team wanted his services. When Pittsburgh expressed interest, the Phillies either had to promote him or let him go to the Pirates. While Grilli disagrees that there wasn't a place for him with the Phillies, he's even more pleased that Pittsburgh felt there was on their team.

"I'm glad to be part of a team in a pennant race, a team obviously that sees a fit. That says a lot too, when an organization comes and grabs you, they know what you're capable of."

Grilli has played in the major leagues for Florida, the Chicago White Sox, Detroit, Texas and Colorado, but says this signing is especially sweet after everything he's been through with his injury. He says in almost feels as giddy as he did when he first got called up to the big leagues.

"I felt like a rookie all over again today. I walked around today having the whole feel to the stadium all to myself, and the clubhouse, I'm just soaking it all in. I'm really happy, I couldn't express it anymore than maybe doing a a snow angel in the middle of the clubhouse on the big p!! I mean, it's great!!"