gradually gets used
Aroldis Chapman looks more comfortable now with the Reds By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
02/18/11 12:43 p.m. ET
GOODYEAR, Ariz. - The Cuban southpaw Reds Aroldis Chapman, has a new tattoo on his left wrist, a ball of flames. Below the ball is "105.1 MPH," which represents a record speed of his pitches to be registered on the radar last season.
Chapman, beginning his second practice with the Reds, is ready to face the season 2011.
"I think this year will be much better for me," said Chapman.
That could be a dangerous outcome for the hitters, which largely failed to reach the poison in the young shoots of 22 years.
presentations in 15 relief appearances after his promotion to the majors on August 31, Chapman was efficient of 2.03 with 19 strikeouts in 13.1 innings, allowing nine hits and five walks giving. Regularly reached 100 mph on the radar, including a game at 105.1 in September in San Diego.
A year ago, the question was whether Chapman, who after defecting from Cuba had signed a U.S. $ 30.25 billion, with raw talent and his fastball 100 miles per hour, could earn a spot in Cincinnati's rotation. That was before a back injury to curb it a bit.
This year Chapman has a defined role, which will be responsible for the 7 and 8 innings to set the stage to closer Francisco Cordero.
"I have planned to use it as last year, and we'll see how it progresses," said Reds manager Dusty Baker. "Now we need more as a reliever than as a starter. The fact that left-handed, it seems to be throwing more strikes, it may be easier for your arm to relieve now.
Before anyone could ask the question, Baker flatly rejected the notion that Chapman could replace Cordero as a closer.
"There is no dispute with the closer situation," said the pilot. "I know everyone wants to rush into it, but first have to get used to what you are doing (now)."
Nor is there a definite plan to be Chapman re-opener, a role she played last season in Triple-A Louisville. The Reds' rotation is very deep, and they need someone to replace the veteran left-hander Arthur Rhodes, who left via free agency.
By keeping Chapman in the bullpen, Cincinnati can limit their innings and also depend other lefties like Bill Bray and Dontrelle Willis may need some rest if the Cuban. The club also aims to avoid having to use a Chapman for more than one episode per presentation.
"We will not have to use it more in that role," said pitching coach for the Reds, Bryan Price. "So I think there are several reasons for not tell you when to open games. We have so much young pitching, and see what direction they are to see what the need for 2012.
" Certainly, I think here we would like to see as a starter at some point, "the trainer continued." We have no idea what we (in it) as a starter. But come that day. "
Chapman does not seem in a hurry for that.
" Yes, I want to be a starter, but I do not think about it, "said the flamethrower." The job I have now is to be a reliever and that is the job I'm doing. The day we want it to be starter is the day I think about it. "
Price Chapman will work on his changeup outside their normal routine, and you do not need much of that pitching as a reliever. The approach will improve throw slider to strike over and work on his general command to go up in the count. "
"could become vulnerable if you are working from the bottom in the count and hitters feel comfortable enough to let some pitches, "Price said." When the top (in the count), you will not get to two strikes with the boys, because it has many forms of fulminarte. "
The Reds impressed with how Chapman handled all the attention on him in 2010.
"seemed not to be affected," Baker said. "I could see why, with all that has happened. Here is without family, without this support. A lot. Imagine. "
This year, the Reds would prefer that attention was not so much on the speed of his pitches, but in the results.
" Plain and simple we to be successful, "said Price." We want people to be disappointed if you get a 1-2-3 inning and is between 93 and 97 (mph). This is not a circus that pulls the fastest pitch in history. "
During the winter, Baker spent a week in Cuba, which the pilot described as a diplomatic tour of jazz. He tried to pay close attention the details of the country, to understand more the pitcher. It also led to Chapman photos and CD's.
"I know you must miss your country, because it is a beautiful place," said Baker.
"I was so happy when I saw that, because he was in my country, "said Chapman. "I brought things that when I taught them, they put me happy and sentimental."
A Chapman still missing some things in their adaptation to life in America. Chapman laughed when asked if he was learning English.
"Not really," he said. "I'll start soon."
However, Chapman has enjoyed the food itself and television here.
"Before I only ate Cuban food. Now as all," he said. "I see many novels (in English)."
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