Cincinnati Reds yet to make decision on Aroldis Chapman’s role next season – MLB News
Cincinnati Reds general manager Bob Miller has said that the club is still considering the option of moving Aroldis Chapman into the rotation and that no decision has been made in this regard so far.
Miller was responding to queries pertaining to the Reds next move after they signed a three-year deal, worth $21 million with reliever Jonathan Broxton. The deal was afoot as the pitcher turned out to be an apt choice for the bullpen the past season.
However, when it comes to Aroldis Chapman, the left-handed Reds’ closer, a debate has recently entered the discourse revolving around the potential role the Reds want to assign him in the 2013 Major League Baseball season.
The Reds had the plans to use him as a starter this past season. However, injuries that plagued Ryan Madson, Bill Bray and Nick Masset, prompted the club to first give him the setup role and then bring him as a closer.
This turned out to be an altogether good choice, reflecting the successful approach adopted by the manager Dusty Baker. He went on to have 38 saves in 43 chances. But that which ultimately offset the balance was his being shut down due to shoulder fatigue.
Known for his speed, he has remained a good choice when it comes to closer. As for the rotation, the Reds are still showing some caution.
"We told him before he left to prepare like he's coming in [to start]. That's the harder part, preparing to be a starter," Miller said. "When we talked to Jonathan, we said you're going to be in the back end of the bullpen.”
As to what lies ahead is something that the general manager leaves for the upcoming Spring Training. There is no haste being exhibited at this point in time.
“What happens will play out in Spring Training. It depends on what other moves we make in the offseason. There are concerns with Chapman's innings and things like that. Everything will play itself out. We just added another great arm to the bullpen. Pitching is going to win us championships."
It will be interesting to see what decision Reds take regarding the role of Chapman in the team for next season.
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