Aroldis Chapman wants to be the Reds closer

If it were up to Aroldis Chapman, he would be the Reds closer -- and not a starter.

“Truthfully, I would like to be a closer, but that’s not in my hands,” per John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

“In the beginning when I started closing, it was something I didn’t know about,” he said. “But as I started throwing and getting into the late part of the game – when the game is more exciting – I kind of liked it. The adrenaline goes up. I would like to be in that situation. But that’s something I can’t control.”

Speaking of control, he struggled with his command on Saturday as he threw nine consecutive balls and 17 pitches without getting an out at one point.

One scout said of Chapman to ESPN's Buster Olney, "For me, he's got one major league quality pitch.  His fastball. His other pitches aren't major league caliber."

As Olney notes, "... a short reliever can be successful with one pitch, but it's very rare that a starting pitcher can thrive with any fewer than two."

It makes too much sense for the Reds to move Chapman back to the closer role, but I'm not sure that general manager Walt Jocketty will see it that way.

Stay tuned ...

Sunday Night Links

Cleveland's Grady Sizemore was a scratch from Sunday's game with back stiffness. And he might miss Monday's home opener.

Indians prospect Carlos Santana hit his fourth home run for Triple-A Columbus already.

To make room for Gil Meche's return, the Royals have sent Mike Aviles down to Triple-A Omaha.

Phillies ace Roy Halladay threw his first N.L. complete game as the Astros dropped to 0-6, which is their worst start since 1983.

The Mets called up Raul Valdes to fill in for Sean Green, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list (DL).

It doesn't look like Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler will return from the DL before the Red Sox series that begins on April 20th.

Mets manager Jerry Manuel said about today's performance, “We appeared unprepared. And I have to take responsibility for that.”

Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez says of the team's defense, "We need to tighten up."

Boston's Mike Lowell is considering retirement when his three-year contract expires at the end of the season.

"I have a really good friendship with Mark McGwire. I'm proud of him," Bonds said Sunday, per the Associated Press. "We've had a great relationship throughout our entire lives and throughout our career. I'm proud of what he did. I'm happy for him."

Pittsburgh manager John Russell moved Garrett Jones to the cleanup spot while moving Lastings Milledge to third (from fifth).

In today's fourth inning against the Diamondbacks, the Pirates tied a franchise record by allowing 13 runs.

Part of the 13-run outburst came from pitcher Edwin Jackson's first career home run.

Through two starts, Tigers ace Justin Verlander has an ERA of 9.00.

The earliest return (barring setbacks) for Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly is April 24th, per Gordon Wittenmeyer of the Chicago Sun-Times.

John Hester will back up D'Backs catcher Chris Snyder, who will replace the injured Miguel Montero.

In his pro debut for Triple-A Louisville, Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman hit triple digits on the radar gun three times.

The Angels lead the majors in home runs allowed so far this season.

Shameless plug(s) of the day: Check out my latest post at The Daily Blitz and my latest post at FootBaltimore.com.

Tuesday Night Links

Reds closer Francisco Cordero said, "It's not only about me having a good year. It's about getting the team in the playoffs and maybe the World Series.

Meanwhile, his teammate Aroldis Chapman is likely to start the season in the minors.

And Reds manager Dusty Baker says of his bullpen, "You need a good bullpen. We've got a good bullpen."

John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle points out that the difference between the "Big 3's" of Atlanta and Oakland in the past and the Giants today is offense.

Phillies reliever J.C. Romero says of his latest outing, "... today was very good and I am very happy about everything that went on today."

With his roster spot secure in 2010, Phillies starter J.A. Happ said, "I obviously don't want to give up hits or runs, but last year I had to go with what I was most confident in. This year, I'm maybe able to try a few different things. I did that."

San Diego's Chase Headley leads the majors in runs batted in (21) this spring.

Cubs outfield prospect Tyler Colvin, who's hitting .455 this spring, could push the starters.

As expected, Yovani Gallardo is the Brewers' Opening Day starter.

Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera hit a pair of 500-foot homers.

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen says of outfielder Carlos Quentin's new attitude:''I love it, oh, my God, yes. I think Carlos enjoys the game a little bit more. I don't want him to change, I don't. ... I think he's out there more with the players, and I like that, believe me.''

The Mariners have released pitcher Seth McClung.

Reds starter Aaron Harang said about today's loss and being ready as Opening Day starter: "Yeah, I feel great. This is the best I've felt in spring training. The outcome is not what you want and expect. But it doesn't count. This is about getting ready for the long haul of the season. Overall, I feel very comfortable with the new stuff with my mechanics. I feel like the ball is coming out very well. It's a matter of coming in and stretching it out come Monday."

The Marlins acquired pitcher Nate Robertson from Detroit.

Pitcher Jeff Suppan was placed on the disabled list, retroactive to March 26th, by the Brewers.

Shameless plug of the day: here's the link to the latest post on my football site.

Follow me on Twitter @EDSBaseball.