So whose decision was it for him to close? Baker, Jocketty, Chapman?

 

Looks as if it's not a popular move with a lot of fans...

Dusty told CTrent that no decision has been made.

Yes, I think in the long run this will pay dividends to the Reds. I agree the Broxton deal NOW looks silly, but hindsight is 20/20. I believe there is no metric that can effectively measure how useful a disgusting closer is. I think this will be invaluable to the team and believe Ol' Walt will gladly swallow the $7,000,000 when they put another ring on his finger. I suggest the nay sayers accept this and move on because it seems this plan of action.

 

^This

That's if you think his best stuff is simply throwing as hard as he can. I don't. He's at his best, even for just one inning, when he's mixing in the devastating slider and a change. He'd be even more effective if given the opportunity to develop those pitches to their maximum potential IMO. He doesn't get that as a closer.

 

Also, I clearly have more faith in management than others do.

I don't really understand how it can be said he is a second tier closer? Aside from about a 5 game stretch in June when he couldn't find the plate he was dominant?

I don't really understand how it can be said he is a second tier closer? Aside from about a 5 game stretch in June when he couldn't find the plate he was dominant?

 

Because statistically there were 8 guys with 35+ save opportunitities that converted at a higher rate than he did. It doesn't matter how dominant you look or entertaining you are, all that matters is if you get the job done, and in that regard he was 2nd tier.

If they move Chapman to closer, it is short term thinking. I am ok with it because as to impact on this season, it is probably a wash whether he closes or starts. If the Reds win the World Series with Cueto, Latos, Bailey and Arroyo/Leake in the 4 post season starter roles, then I am as happy as can be. If they don't win the World Series with those starters, there will be a lot of second guessing. Because let there be no doubt, this move is all about winning in the post season.

Here's what I don't get with your argument UKMF. You think he can be a starter, yet he hasn't excelled at that in the spring, if you followed the process like you say. Then let's have a dose of reality here, as much as you would like to say he was an average closer, which statistically he may have been, it was his first year in that role. Is there no chance that now that he has the experience that he could even be better in that role? You act as if he was a sure thing from the starters position, and I can't believe that in the best interest of the organization our management wouldn't have had him in that position if he was viable there. You can doubt the powers that be if you wish, but he was less than stellar as a starter so far this spring. Homer on the other hand, lights out.

Here's what I don't get with your argument UKMF. You think he can be a starter, yet he hasn't excelled at that in the spring, if you followed the process like you say. Then let's have a dose of reality here, as much as you would like to say he was an average closer, which statistically he may have been, it was his first year in that role. Is there no chance that now that he has the experience that he could even be better in that role? You act as if he was a sure thing from the starters position, and I can't believe that in the best interest of the organization our management wouldn't have had him in that position if he was viable there. You can doubt the powers that be if you wish, but he was less than stellar as a starter so far this spring. Homer on the other hand, lights out.

 

He's got 8 IP and has a 2.25 ERA....Leake has thrown the same number of innings and has been shelled. :idunno:

^ If I may jump in spindoc, you are going to determine Chapman's potential as a starter in 8 spring training innings? He has the lowest ERA, one of the lowest WHIPS, one of the lowest AVG against in those 8 innings but time to give up on the experiment? Dusty does not want him to start. So the refreshing thing here is so many Reds supporters are right in line with Dusty on this one.

He's got 8 IP and has a 2.25 ERA....Leake has thrown the same number of innings and has been shelled. :idunno:

 

Not to mention he was their best starter last spring as well.

He's got 8 IP and has a 2.25 ERA....Leake has thrown the same number of innings and has been shelled. :idunno:

 

Against batters that 50% of will never see an MLB ballpark.

Against batters that 50% of will never see an MLB ballpark.

 

That is even more of an indictment of Leake if he can't get those guys out.

He's got 8 IP and has a 2.25 ERA....Leake has thrown the same number of innings and has been shelled. :idunno:

 

It's not about Leake.

It's not about Leake.

 

Indirectly, it is though. If Leake were a guy that had an ERA under 4 or you could rely on to give you a QS every 5 days, then there's no reason to see about moving anyone. Fact is, he's a weak spot, and they have a better alternative available.

 

Easy question, do you think Leake or Chapman would put up better numbers in the rotation?