Brandon Phillips made some interesting comments regarding Aroldis Chapman’s move to the starting rotation this season. They are interesting points but also very valid points that many Reds fans agree with.
Phillips said the following about Chapman to Sirius XM Sports:
Honestly I’m Team Chapman. Whatever he feels like he can do, I let him do. He’s that talented. You know, if he goes out there and prepares himself during this offseason and he can show people he can do it, then do it. But if he can’t, if he can’t prepare himself for it – if his mindset isn’t where it’s supposed to be – then he should just stay and be one of the best closers in the game and go out there and do his job, be lights out. But you know it’ll be very interesting, and it’ll be very exciting. And I think a lot of fans want to see what he can do as a starter. But the thing is, though, if you want to go out there and win right now, I mean, I would keep him as the closer right now. That’s my opinion. But hey, I’m not the GM.
In December, Reds starter Bronson Arroyo insisted that it will be very difficult for Chapman to start. Reds reliever Sam Lecure echoed his statement. Other Reds expressed similar feelings during Redsfest.
Phillips also discussed the acquisition of Shin-Soo Choo by saying “I don’t really know how it’s gonna work out” and adding that he was “very, very surprised” that the Reds made the move. Phillips said that Choo is a “great player” and that he’s looking forward to watching him playing center field despite the fact that he “didn’t know (Choo) was a center fielder.”
