Dusty Baker makes race-sensitive comments; defends Chapman

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Dusty Baker thinks the Washington Nationals need more speed, so he wants more African-American and Latino players on the roster.

He also vigorously defended Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman, who was accused of choking his girlfriend and shooting a gun during an incident in October. And Baker also had a different take on domestic violence.

At the winter meetings as a manager for the first time since he was fired by the Reds after the 2013 season, Baker answered more than 30 questions in a free-wheeling interview session Tuesday.

''You're always in need of left-handed pitching, left-handed hitting, and in need of speed,'' he said. ''I think that's the number one thing that's missing, I think, in the game is speed. You know, with the need for minorities, you can help yourself - you've got a better chance of getting some speed with Latin and African-Americans.

''I'm not being racist,'' he added. ''That's just how it is.''