Aroldis Chapman ready to execute the role assigned by the Reds – MLB News
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman is ready to execute any role the club intends to assign him. There have lately been a lot of talks about the Reds’ plans to move him into rotation after a successful season as the closer.
Until the three-year contract with Jonathan Broxton that the Reds signed last month, Chapman seemed all set to once again pitch as a closer. However, as Broxton is likely to replace Aroldis Chapman there, the latter is preparing himself for it.
But as a part of him is excited, Chapman will also miss the times as being closer. So said he while expressing his views about this likely move.
"One part of me is happy for it. The other part is not," Chapman said recently. "The part I don't like is I enjoyed being a closer and now I'm going to miss it. I still like it as a starter. I would love to do both, because I've had fun doing both."
38 saves in 43 chances helped Chapman to figure as one of the most effective and successful closers in the National League. That was widely acknowledged as well. But his being shut down due to shoulder fatigue does raise a few questions.
That is mostly due to the use of fastballs. A four-seam fastball at 96–101 mph and a hard slider at 87–90 mph uniquely place him among the pitchers who have a distinct repertoire. Add to it the heater that he uses which usually averaged at 100.3. mph in
the past.
That speed has a declined a bit. But he retains his intimidating pace; something he adroitly employs. Given his performance throughout these years, Chapman has become an invaluable asset for the Reds now.
Career strikeouts per nine innings rate of 14.66 as of August 2012 are a statement of success that he has achieved over the years. The 6'4 tall pitcher can be a successful starter despite what happened late in the season this year.
Chapman, it goes without saying, is all prepared to embrace the starter’s role. "They talked to me and told me I'm going to be back as a starter," Chapman said. "All I'm doing is getting ready and preparing to work as a starter."
Like reported previously, Mike Leake is likely to be moved to bullpen if Chapman is to be brought in as the starter. But for that to happen, the Reds have to wait to see how things go until the commencement of the next season.
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