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Maddon looks to build bond with Chapman
- Updated: July 29, 2016
CHICAGO — Cubs manager Joe Maddon said he knew Aroldis Chapman would be fine as soon as he threw his first pitch. Now, Maddon just needs to get to know the new Cubs closer.
On Wednesday night, Chapman lit up the scoreboard and excited the 41,000-plus at Wrigley Field when he fired a 101-mph strike to Jose Abreu in the ninth inning. Chapman, acquired Monday from the Yankees, retired the side, striking out two of the three batters he faced. His last pitch registered at 103 mph.
It hasn’t been a smooth transition off the field. On Tuesday, Chapman was asked about a phone conversation with Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts and president of baseball operations Theo Epstein, which the team requested before finalizing the trade. The pitcher didn’t recall many details, and was so upset at how he was portrayed after the news conference that he didn’t want to talk to the media on Wednesday. Catcher Miguel Montero convinced Chapman to do so.
“I know there’s been some reticence or pushback regarding him, but understand where he’s coming from,” Maddon said on Thursday. “We don’t know him, he doesn’t know us, and he really doesn’t know the language. My best advice, and for me, too, is to attempt to build a relationship.”
Maddon was concerned about calling on Chapman in a non-save situation. Chapman responded well.
“He looks like he has tremendous focus,” Maddon said. “I was …
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