Quick Hits: Bautista, Chapman, Mariners, Marlins

Some news items to wrap up the evening….

• In regards to the Blue Jays and Jose Bautista pushing back their arbitration hearing, a source tells FOXSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi (Twitter link) that when hearings are delayed, it "frequently" means a long-term deal is on the way.   
• Reds pitching coach Bryan Price confirms that Aroldis Chapman will pitch relief for Cincinnati this season, reports Fanhouse's John Hickey.  The Reds' rotation is deep enough that they "don't have to push Chapman," Price said.  "We don't need to stockpile innings on him at this stage of his career…But down the road will he start? I think he will."
• The Mariners announced that Ken Griffey Jr. will be a special consultant for the club, according to the team's Twitter feed.  MLB.com's Greg Johns outlines some of the tasks Griffey will perform in his new position.
• Chris Ray tells Greg Johns that he turned down a Major League offer from another club to sign a minor league deal with the Mariners since Ray will get a chance to close or at least set up games in Seattle.  "It doesn't really mean a whole lot if it's a one-year contract [elsewhere] and I'm a free agent again next year if I'm pitching basically the scrap innings," Johns said. "That's not something that will help me out in the future. From this point forward, I want to be the guy who goes in late in the ballgame."
• Jeffrey Loria thinks the Marlins are a playoff-caliber team, writes Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.  Loria also hinted that Florida's payroll will rise next year when the Fish move into their new Miami stadium.
• Jorge Posada said "it wouldn't surprise" him if Andy Pettitte pitched again, reports Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News.