Cincinnati Reds to decide the role for Aroldis Chapman - MLB Feature
The Cincinnati Reds boast some of the most commanding pitchers. From the rotation to bullpen, in the Reds’ possession are starters, relievers and closers that have established their dominance seemingly effortlessly.
One such pitcher who not only caught the attention of fans and critics this past season but also stunned many is Aroldis Chapman. The left-hand pitcher made his debut in 2010 and has not looked back since then.
However, as this space is being filled, there is an ongoing debate on the role of this pitcher in the 2013 MLB season. As to whether he should continue pitching as the closer or be switched to rotation is to be decided by the Reds.
Threading his way into the Major League Baseball was in itself a historic journey; defecting from Cuba in the summer of 2009 and then ultimately signing a six-year deal worth $30.25 million.
In 2012 Major League Baseball, his was a prominent role and oft-times quite decisive. That he was to pitch in the ninth inning in itself was a mighty challenge. However, he proved to be instrumental in executing the stupendous wins for the Reds.
Appearing in 68 games, he held an impressive 1.51 ERA with 38 saves remaining third in the National League, to his credit. He surrendered only 13 runs in 71.2 innings as he went on to solidify the Reds’ grip.
At one point in time, out of 39 chances that Aroldis Chapman had, he made 35 saves, leaving a whole host of fans and critics in awe. In the regular season, the Reds’ march to glory would be incomplete without some extraordinary feats that Aroldis Chapman masterfully executed.
The closer with his four-seam fastballs and sliders outwitted the batters and went on to inflict a defeat on the rival teams; making the Reds a strong force to reckon with.
Skip Schumaker, the St. Louis Cardinals' second baseman once said he had never seen a pitcher, throwing 100 mph, like Aroldis Chapman.
"A lot of guys nowadays throw 100 [mph]," Skip Schumaker said, "but I've never seen anybody with a fastball like his.”
“For one thing," the Cardinals' second baseman said, "when you face him, it feels like [he is as far away as] me to you. Then he winds up, and he's all herky-jerky. He's big. He's tall. He's throwing elbows and knees at you. And even though you're sitting dead-red fastball, it's just like it's by you, before you can even think about it. I've never seen a fastball explode like that. Ever. It's just ridiculous."
He, for once, was a solid candidate for the Cy Young Award this year. But as he was shut-down due to shoulder fatigue, Chapman could not realise that dream. The way he has performed it will not be long before he attains that accomplishment as well.
However, in the next few months, the Reds will have their final say on whether they want Chapman to continue as the closer, or be part of the rotation along with other Reds' starters.
To be seen from now is the Reds’ decision on the potential role Chapman will be having in the coming season. Make no mistake, he remains one of the best closers in the National League.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not reflect the official editorial policy of Bettor.com.
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