Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman wants the closer's role

Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman says he wants to be the team's closer. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The Cincinnati Reds have a little more than two weeks to decide their pitcher rotation. For fireballer Aroldis Chapman, he knows what role he wants to play this season.

"I would like to be a closer, but that's not in my hands," Chapman said, via CBSSports.com. "At the beginning, when I started closing, I didn't know. Then I started getting into the late part of the game, and I liked it. The adrenaline goes up."

Chapman went 5-5 with a 1.51 ERA, 38 saves and 122 strikeouts in 71.2 innings last season. He is known for hitting 100 mph on the radar gun with regular frequency.

General manager Walt Jocketty and pitching coach Bryan Price have favored making Chapman a starter, while Baker has been considered the strongest advocate of leaving him in the bullpen.

Reds manager Dusty Baker said he plans to talk to Chapman and get the pitcher's opinion on his role.

"We're going to do what's best for the organization, for the team and for him," Baker said. "But it makes it a lot easier if you get the person's blessing. I'm happy he finally expressed something."