I know there are plenty of numbers out there that say the closer is overrated, and to an extent I agree, but when we are talking shut down guys like Chapman I think it's different. A great closer (Chapman, Kimbrel, Rivera, ect.) adds to the swag of a team. If you have a guy who is automatic in the 9th, not only does it help everyone else define their role in the pen, but it puts pressure on the other team to score.

 

This year, I knew we had to get to the starter in order to beat the Reds. From my standpoint, I'd much rather see Aroldis for 5-6 innings than 1. And I'd much rather see Broxton in the 9th.

Chapman blew 1 less save last year than Cordero in this last year with the Reds but Cordero sucked right? Might be the most overrated position in baseball.

Chapman blew 1 less save last year than Cordero in this last year with the Reds but Cordero sucked right? Might be the most overrated position in baseball.

 

How many were 1 run saves for each?

This team wins the division, has a fantastic pen, and we're anxious to take the cap off it. Not sure how this makes sense. I'll be the first to admit if Chapman wins 20 games from the rotation that I was sorely mistaken. Stat heads always claim that closer is overrated. Eyeball test doesn't confirm that, IMO.

How many were 1 run saves for each?

 

I have no idea, I'd guess over 162 games it would average out and be similar.

I would love to see Aroldis in the rotation. If anyone has the God given talent to be an ace, it's him. We brought the guy in to start, and it's time we see what he can do as a starter. Last season we had one of the best bullpens in baseball, and I don't think it will fall off without Chapman. If him starting doesn't work out, we know he can be a hammer out of the bullpen. Also, Broxton would more than likely do fine in the closer role, since he's been in the position for years. He's a veteran guy with a whole bunch of saves under his belt.

 

Having Cueto, Chapman, Latos, Arroyo and Bailey as the Starting Rotation would be SOLID. If you exchange Leake for Chapman, the rotation isn't nearly as sexy. Not to mention, If you have AC in the rotation, you're guaranteeing sell outs. Not so much with Leake. (BTW I'm not trying to bash Leake, because I really like the guy. Chapman is just better.)

 

Question:Can we expect Nick Masset to be back at 100% this season? If he is, he could close if Broxton struggled. He's always wanted to close, right?

 

I for one am pretty giddy about the deal, and I'll be pretty upset if Chapman isn't named a starter this spring.

So the majority of the people on here want to see a guy who would probably have a fastball at 94-97 mph, no effective curve, or changeup, and a wild slider. Hmmm... I mean if Chapman showed anything last year we saw he could not sustain his velocity day in and day out in the closer role, pitching an inning at a time?

So the majority of the people on here want to see a guy who would probably have a fastball at 94-97 mph, no effective curve, or changeup, and a wild slider. Hmmm... I mean if Chapman showed anything last year we saw he could not sustain his velocity day in and day out in the closer role, pitching an inning at a time?

So you want him to be in the rotation?

Once would think they would be willing to shop Leake.

I think that is likely as well but I'm hesitant to do so. Can't imagine chapman remaining healthy for a full season & it sure would be nice to plug Leake into the rotation when a starter goes to the DL...

So you want him to be in the rotation?

 

No not with two pitches as I said in my previous post.

I have a feeling there will be a lefthander from Louisville who will be a factor for the rotation next year.

No not with two pitches as I said in my previous post.

 

Oh I got you. I overread the first post which made the second one confusing.

 

But he has the remainder of the off season to get himself back into shape as a starter. Then if he isn't working out, it's not like there wouldn't be space for him in the bullpen.

Said it before, and I'll say it again...because of his physique and the stress he has to be putting on his joints/ligaments...I'm afraid there are only so many pitches in that arm. And if that's true, I'd MUCH rather have him use them in 10-20 pitch increments when the Reds already have the lead. To have him go out and throw 100 pitches and lose 2-1 or 3-2 because the bats were cold that day would be pointless.

 

Plus, the added benefit of bringing him out of the pen is that he's such a change of pace from what the hitters would've been seeing for the previous 8 innings...especially since the Reds are so right-hand dominant at this time. You put him into the rotation where hitters get a chance to see him 2 or 3 times a game, he's going to HAVE to have more than just the #1.

Said it before, and I'll say it again...because of his physique and the stress he has to be putting on his joints/ligaments...I'm afraid there are only so many pitches in that arm. And if that's true, I'd MUCH rather have him use them in 10-20 pitch increments when the Reds already have the lead. To have him go out and throw 100 pitches and lose 2-1 or 3-2 because the bats were cold that day would be pointless.

 

Plus, the added benefit of bringing him out of the pen is that he's such a change of pace from what the hitters would've been seeing for the previous 8 innings...especially since the Reds are so right-hand dominant at this time. You put him into the rotation where hitters get a chance to see him 2 or 3 times a game, he's going to HAVE to have more than just the #1.

 

Why would his arm be different that any other hard throwing pitcher? He just has the build and athleticism to whip it up faster. He doesn't have poor mechanics or anything.