Chapman update

[Ryan8150]

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.”

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.

TOMKO HERE: Former Red Brett Tomko showed up at the complex Saturday. Tomko, the 38-year-old right-hander, spent most of last year pitching in Triple-A for Texas. He was 0-1 with a 4.58 ERA for the Rangers.

He’s agreed to a minor league deal with the Reds. But he has to pass his physical for it to become official. Tomko was drafted and developed by the Reds. He went 29-26 with a 4.35 ERA before being traded to Seattle in the Ken Griffey Jr. deal.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “To get Ryan Madson after it looked like we weren’t going to be able to sign (Francisco) Cordero is one of those shock-and-awe moments. So, yeah, I was surprised to be able to get a top-tier closer who is just coming into his own.” –pitching coach Bryan Price.

Courtesy of John Fay and Cincinnati.com

[yankeebiscuitfan]

Still a shame that Chapman left shortly before the World Port Tournament in Rotterdam, back in 2009. I would have loved to see him play.

[Ryan8150]

I was there for his major league debut, it was unreal the stadium was so hyped up. People were crowded around the top of the bullpen watching him warm up and when he entered every pitch he threw people were in awe. He also threw probably the most insane slider I've ever seen that night. I really hope the reds take the time to make him a starter I hate seeing him in the bullpen.

[Mudge]

Chapman has a ton of adjustments to make in order to succeed in the majors, and turning him into a starter -- which is a good idea -- will require additional patience on the part of the organization and the fans (patience is a rare commodity these days in professional sports).

[Ryan8150]

I agree with you. As fun as it was to see him pitch, i would prefer to see him in the minors til he is 100% ready.

[astrosfanatic]

I was there for his major league debut, it was unreal the stadium was so hyped up. People were crowded around the top of the bullpen watching him warm up and when he entered every pitch he threw people were in awe. He also threw probably the most insane slider I've ever seen that night. I really hope the reds take the time to make him a starter I hate seeing him in the bullpen.

i enjoyed getting to see Randy Johnson's and Brad Lidge's sliders while here in Houston..those are two of the best i have ever seen. Lidge, in his prime, would have guys swinging helplessly at balls that bit the dirt in front of the plate there was so much action on them....

on topic- I cant wait to see what Chapman does as a starter. i think they should have either used him as the closer or started him from the beginning. It seemed like a waste of talent just watching him as a middle reliever

[Ryan8150]

I agree. Unfortunately I think it was more marketing than anything. The organization trying to fuel "chapmania". Hopefully now they will do the right thing and help him grow before putting him in the rotation. I saw good things at the end of last year, he wasn't overthrowing and his control improved a lot. His velocity dropped a little but he was still hitting high 90s with the occasional 100, 101, and 102 hitting the radar gun.

[RickD]

Joba was jerked back and forth from a starter to relief and I think it hurt him, the back and forth.

I would like to see the Reds commit to one place for Chapman. I find the kid raw but exciting to watch and if they let him develop the right way, he can be around for a long time.