I never know what to make of these spring reports — it seems like everyone says they’re in “the best shape of their life” — but I read every single one of them. Yeah, I’m a sucker. After a winter in which I have been starved for baseball, I’ll take anything I can get.
Anyway, Fayman has a report today on Aroldis Chapman:
Aroldis Chapman will start spring training in the regular program with the rest of the starters.
“I saw him throw a bullpen the other day,†Price said. “He looked pretty good. His breaking ball was good. He’s been in Florida throwing since he got the green light from Dr. (Tim) Kremchek after that shoulder tightness.â€Â
Chapman, the 23-year-old left-hander, is making the transition back to starter after spending the last season and a half in the bullpen.
This will be the third consecutive spring that I’ve been more interested in Chapman than any other Red. I’m hoping he sees some early success as a starter, so that the Reds will be encouraged to keep him in that role.