Dusty Baker will not use Aroldis Chapman for multi-inning work

In the latest instance of a Major League manager refusing to consider anything but by-the-book bullpen use, Reds manager Dusty Baker reiterated to the media that he will not use closer Aroldis Chapman for more than one inning:

Dusty Baker just said he will not use Aroldis Chapman in the 8th inning. Said the days of multi-inning closers are mostly over.

— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) June 14, 2013

Dusty on not using Chapman in the 8th: "If something happens to Chapman, then I'm stuck with the people everybody wants you stay away from."

— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) June 14, 2013

Baker’s worry over Chapman’s health is curious when juxtaposed with his use of Jonathan Broxton, who has been dealing with a sore elbow, yesterday. The Reds and Cubs were tied 5-5 entering the bottom of the 14th in Chicago. Rather than use Chapman, Baker brought in the less-than-100% Broxton, who ended up surrendering a walk-off single to Julio Borbon. Chapman never had an opportunity to pitch in the game.

Then, earlier today, the Reds official Twitter sent this out:

An ultrasound examination revealed swelling within the right elbow joint of Jonathan Broxton. He is day-to-day.

— Reds (@Reds) June 14, 2013

On this subject, Jonah Keri has a great column at Grantland, and he happened to be writing it while that 14th inning was in progress.

The Giants are finalizing a minor league deal for free agent outfielder Cameron Maybin, according to Andrew Baggarly and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The team has not confirmed the signing, but it’s in keeping with their stated goal of adding more veteran presence and outfield options to their roster in advance of the 2019 season.

Maybin, 31, appeared in back-to-back gigs with the Marlins and Mariners in 2018. He slashed an underwhelming .249/.326/.336 with four home runs, 10 stolen bases (in 15 chances), a .662 OPS, and 0.5 fWAR through 384 plate appearances for the two clubs, a clear improvement over his totals in 2017 but still shy of the career numbers he posted with the Padres all the way back in 2011. It’s not only his offense that has tanked, but his speed and defense in center field, all of which he’ll try to improve as he jockeys for a roster spot in camp this month.

The Giants’ outfield has been largely depleted of any kind of consistent talent lately, especially taking into account the recent departures of Hunter Pence, Gregor Blanco, and Gorkys Hernández. Even with the acquisition of, say, All-Star right fielder Bryce Harper, there’s nothing standing in the way of Maybin and fellow veteran signee Gerardo Parra grabbing hold of full- or part-time roles this year, though they’ll need to outperform candidates like Chris Shaw, Steven Duggar, Drew Ferguson, Mac Williamson, Austin Slater, Craig Gentry, Mike Gerber, and others first.

In a previous report on Friday, Baggarly revealed that a “handshake understanding” had been established with several veteran players already this offseason, all but guaranteeing them regular starting opportunities over the course of the season. How those agreements will be affected by spring training performances remains to be seen, but at least for now, the Giants appear prepared to give their newest players a long leash as they try to get back on top in the NL West.