Reds, Chapman open new spring training home

Feb 19, 2010 - 12:55 AM GOODYEAR, Ariz.(AP) -- The Cincinnati Reds opened spring training at their new facility on Thursday, with one of their newcomers getting much of the attention.

Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman worked out with the Reds for the first time since he signed a six-year, $30.25 million deal last month. The hard-throwing left-hander will get a chance to compete for a spot in the rotation during spring training.

Catcher Ramon Hernandez estimated that Chapman was throwing in the mid- to upper-90 mph range during the first workout.

"He threw pretty good," Hernandez said. "I'd heard he was a little wild, but I was impressed with what I saw. He's got a lot to learn, but he's got great velocity, a good changeup and slider. So what he needs is a little experience."

Pitching coach Bryan Price said Chapman has improved from a year ago, when he had one impressive outing and another ragged one during the World Baseball Classic. His fastball reached 100 mph on radar guns at the WBC, but his control has been a problem.

"I think this kid could go into a live game tomorrow and be ready to compete," the Reds first-year pitching coach said. "He's extremely athletic. He's a quick learner. His stuff is better now, in my opinion, than it was in the WBC as far as command and delivery. I'm just looking forward to seeing him pitch and learn."

All 36 pitchers and catchers reported on Thursday and had their first workout at the new facility, which is next to one that the Cleveland Indians moved into a year ago. The Reds had trained in Florida since 1923, except for a few years during World War II.

They wanted to stay in Sarasota, Fla., but a tax levy to improve the outdated facility there was turned down by voters. The Reds will share a stadium with the Indians in Goodyear, but have their own training complex.

Players were impressed by the new clubhouse when they entered for the first time.

"Wow," shortstop Paul Janish said, as he walked through the doorway.

There are six fields, one of them the same shape as the field at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. There are two minor league clubhouses, separate training rooms and a large weight room. There are other perks, such as video cameras on the main field and in the batting cages so that club officials can keep an eye on players.

In Sarasota, the video feed consisted of a computer resting on a laundry cart next to the team shower.

"This is like moving into a new house," said manager Dusty Baker, entering the final year of his three-year contract. "It's exciting, very exciting."

Pitcher Homer Bailey noted that there's a therapeutic swimming pool, like the one the players have back in Cincinnati.

"It's like a miniature version of being at home," said Bailey, who is expected to be part of the rotation this season. "It's how nice it is at home. We have everything."