Chapman says food, language are tough adjustments

Feb 23, 2010 - 12:46 AM GOODYEAR, Ariz.(AP) -- Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman finds the new food and language are his biggest challenges as he gets used to pitching in the major leagues.

The Cincinnati Reds signed the 21-year-old lefty to a six-year, $30.25 million deal last month and he met the media Monday, with minor league pitching coach Tony Fossas serving as the translator.

Chapman said it was very difficult to leave his wife, daughter and the rest of his family behind when he defected last July after arriving in the Netherlands with the Cuban national team. He said he has spoken to his family by phone and hopes they can somehow be reunited.

"It was a very hard decision," Chapman said. "But in Cuba, they told me I had to be brave and make the move."

The Reds, the Athletics and one other team were finalists to sign Chapman, who picked Cincinnati in part because it has 10 players from Latin America. Chapman doesn't speak English.

It was a lot of money for a Reds team that has limited payroll flexibility.

"It was a big investment, but I think it will pay dividends down the road for us, and maybe sooner rather than later," general manager Walt Jocketty said.

The Reds will give Chapman a chance to win a spot in the rotation during spring training, but aren't pushing him. They're giving him as much time as he needs to get acclimated to the new culture and the major leagues.

"We really don't have a timetable, and I don't think it's good to have a timetable," Jocketty said. "I think we'll find out as we go along."

"We're just going to let him develop. You don't really know what he's capable of yet. You watch him on the mound and you can see the ability, but we don't know until he gets into a game and faces hitters if he's ready now or it's going to take some time."

Like his teammates, Chapman has an iPhone, wears gold necklaces and a gold bracelet, and dresses in designer jeans. Asked what he finds the biggest adjustment, Chapman said, "Definitely the food. And the language is very hard."

So far, Chapman has enjoyed spending time with his teammates, many of whom speak his language. Manager Dusty Baker speaks Spanish, and Fossas was born in Cuba.

"I enjoy being with baseball players and at the field," Chapman said. "I like the people I've talked to and gotten to know. Once I learn English, I'll be able to get to know my American teammates better."

Chapman's fastball was clocked at 100 mph when he pitched for Cuba in the World Baseball Classic a year ago. He also had control problems and has been trying to smooth his delivery while working with pitching coach Bryan Price. The two worked together in Arizona after Chapman signed with the Reds.