For someone who could make his 500th major-league appearance this season, the reverence in Jonathan Broxton’s voice when he talks about the guy he shared the Reds bullpen with last season might be a little surprising.

Broxton’s comfortable in his own ability, knowing he’s been one of the game’s better closers for a half-decade. He’s bringing home a hefty paycheck, too, after Cincinnati signed him to a three-year deal worth $21 million, with a team option for 2016.

But the way he gushes about hard-throwing lefty Aroldis Chapman, you get the sense Broxton’s almost a star-struck fan, hanging on every pitch the young Cuban sensation throws.

“He’s something special. He really has his game fine-tuned, and there’s still a little room for improvement,” Broxton said of Chapman, shaking his head slowly as he spoke. “Just from his fastball, just look at what he can do with that fastball. It was really impressive to watch last year in person.”

After coming over from Kansas City last July in a deal that sent a pair of pitching prospects to the Royals, Broxton had plenty of chances to marvel at Chapman’s magic up close. He often set up Chapman as the Reds extended a three-game lead in the NL Central from the time they dealt for Broxton to a comfortable 11 1/2-game edge in the 40 games after his arrival.

This year, the initial plan is to give the closing duties to Broxton while shifting Chapman into the starting rotation. Of course, Chapman was slated for that duty last season before injuries forced him to the pen.

Reds manager Dusty Baker has let it be known how happy he was with Chapman and Broxton together in what was one of the league’s most effective relief pitching units. On Saturday, prior to the team’s second spring training game, Baker said he’s still not sure how Broxton fits in.

“Either way, it’s pretty good duty,” Baker said of the role Broxton will play. “They were pretty good, the combination of him, (Sean) Marshall and Chapman.”

Broxton, who’s slated to make his spring training debut on Monday against Milwaukee, sees quality and camaraderie in the bullpen, not just in Chapman and Marshall. The Reds relievers combined for an earned-run average of 2.65 and held opposing hitters to a .218 batting average.

“We’re running four and five guys out there who can be closers on any other team,” Broxton said. “We’re down there having a lot of fun, we’re a family. Last year, we just had a lot of fun. “

Just 28, the two-time All-Star believes he has plenty of life left in his fastball. His best season came in 2009 when he finished with 36 saves for the Dodgers. He fanned 114 batters while walking just 29 that year, posting a 2.61 ERA as Los Angeles reached its second straight National League Championship Series. He had 23 saves with Kansas City last season before being dealt to the Reds.

But if Chapman doesn’t work out in the rotation and he moves back into a closing role, Broxton said he’s fine with that, too.

“I’ll be happy to pitch the sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth … whatever,” he said. “As long as we get the ‘W’ at the end of the day, I’ll be happy. Every year you try to win, but this team here is really built to win now. I’m glad to be a part of it.”

As for talking with Broxton about his role, Baker said he’s yet to get that far along.

“I only have so many hours in the day,” he said.