June 2012 - Cincinnati Reds Wiretap

The Reds are probably going to use a host of different closers in the early part of the new season. Ryan Madson, signed this winter, will miss the season because of a torn ligament in his throwing elbow. Sean Marshall, who was expected to be the setup man, is the next best alternative, but he has no experience as a full-time closer.

Ryan Madson will miss the 2012 season because of a torn ligament in his right elbow. "We talked to the team. We all have to stay positive," general manager Walt Jocketty said. "We have alternatives internally that we will sort through in the next few days." Madson agreed in January to a one-year contract guaranteeing $8.5 million, after a $44 million, four-year deal to stay with Philadelphia collapsed in November. He reported discomfort in his elbow at the start of spring training but insisted it was an annual ailment that he had always worked through.

The Reds have not decided whether Aroldis Chapman will begin the season in the bullpen or as a part of the starting rotation. "We're close," Baker said of deciding the left-hander's fate. "You'll be notified when we make our decision. Right now, we don't know. (The last time) it was kind of decided for us." Chapman has pitched well in the starter's role this spring. He's gone seven innings, allowed one run on six hits, struck out seven and walked one in official games.

Aroldis Chapman may throw a baseball harder than anyone in the Major Leagues, but he isn't focused on his velocity as he makes the transition to the starting rotation. He started on Wednesday against the Padres and pounded the strike zone with speeds between 92 mph and 95 mph, which is a big decline from the 98 mph he averaged as a reliever in 2011. "And there were a lot more 92s and 93s than 95s," said one scout seated behind home plate of the Cincinnati left-hander. "It's a simple thing," Chapman said through interpreter Tomas Vera. "It's more important to keep the control and command than the speed."

Two of Cincinnati's best players, Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips, are without long-term contracts as the 2012 season approaches. "We're going to try to get them both signed," Reds owner Bob Castellini said. "But we don't want to talk about it (to the media)." The Reds have made offers to Phillips, but he has yet to accept. He wants what other top second baseman are making.