When he was introduced as Reds manager, Bryan Price didn't rule out the possibility of moving closer Aroldis Chapman to the starting rotation -- a plan he fully endorsed as the team's pitching coach last spring before manager Dusty Baker overruled him -- but judging by general manage Walt Jocketty's comments to MLB Network Radio earlier in December, that's not the most likely scenario.
"We feel we have the depth in our rotation now that we can continue to keep him in the bullpen," Jocketty said. "That's probably the plan going into spring training. We'll have him prepare for spring training like he has in the past. He'll come in and pitch a lot of innings in spring training, so he could go either way. In all likelihood when we get to spring training, we'll make a decision. I would think he'll continue to be our closer."
As for Chapman himself, he has no interest in closing at this stage of his career, he told USA Today.
"Starting hasn't even crossed my mind and I'm not going to do it either," he said. "I don't want to -- and it's difficult that I'd do it."
Price has said he may look to maximize Chapman's talents in other ways, such as bringing him in to pitch the eighth inning in certain situations.