The official decision on whether Aroldis Chapman is going to be a starter or the closer should come in the next few days but all signs point to him staying in the bullpen. After his start on Saturday, Chapman told reporters he would prefer to close. There also is no mention of Chapman starting any games this week in the Reds media notes. (in all fairness, Mike Leake is schedule to start Firday night and Chapman could be scheduled to pitch after Leake). Yesterday Marty Brennaman asked Reds manager Dusty Baker how much input does the player involved have in these decisions, "it does have some importance. I ask guys all the time where would you like to bat in the order, this is no different."
On making a decision soon Baker said, "We have to get them (players) ready mentally and Physically for whatever job they're going to be doing because guys like to know what their roles are." To hear the complete discussion on Chapman between Marty and Dusty click below.
Click Here
Jonathan Broxton throws a pitch earlier this spring.
What about Jonathan Broxton?
If Chapman is the closer that means Jonathan Broxton becomes a 21 million dollar set-up man. When asked about the role he would play if that indeed comes to be Dusty Baker said "If Chapman has too many consecutive days (of work) he can close." He went on to talk about how important the set-up men are in today's baseball, "In a day of specialty the 8th inning seems to be damn near as tough as the 9th inning."
St. Patrick's Day at the Ball Park
Wearing their green hats in honor of St. Patrick's day, Jay Bruce and
Joey Votto chat before Sunday's game against the Indians.
Todd Frazier warms up prior to Sunday's game.
Bats come alive early but game ends in a tie
The Reds scored 5 times in the first inning Sunday against the Indians but the game ended in a 7-7 tie after Daniel Wolford gave up 3 runs in the 9th. Xavier Paul accounted for 3 of the runs in the 1st with a home run to center and after Jay Bruce walked Todd Frazier hit a two run shot to left. Chris Heisey and Denis Phipps hit back to back home runs in the 7th.
Xavier Paul gets high fives from Zack COzart and Joey Votto after his
3 run home run in the first inning Sunday.
Todd Frazier heads back to the dugout after his first inning home run.
Phillips back from WBC
Second baseman Brandon Phillips back from the World Baseball Classic. Dusty Baker gave him the day off Sunday but he should be back in the lineup tonight against the Rockies.
Hangin' with the Honky Talk Man
Had a chance to visit with WWE Legend the Honky Talk Man Saturday at
the Reds-Brewers game.
Honky Talk Man throws out the first pitch to Rickie Weeks Saturday
before the Reds-Brewers game Saturday.
