Aroldis Chapman taking a breather

The Cincinnati Reds are resting closer Aroldis Chapman ahead of their expected post season appearance.

After a successful season as the closer Chapman speaking on his situatiion and shoulder told ESPN, “It is a little fatigued, I started feeling it a couple of games back. I just wasn’t myself. It’s nothing major. There’s nothing wrong. I just feel weak.” He had 35 saves, 1.60 E.R.A., 119 stikeouts, and 5 wins in 67.4 innings We certainly have seen better seasons by closers but very few men have been more intimidating as the 6’4″ Cuban. His 105 mph fastball has blown away the competition. Yet, his recent performances has seen his velocity drop considerably. ESPN Stats and Info tweeted this pic of his last three performances:

The Cuban Missile started the season with an uncertainity of what his role would be. On May 20th he moved into his role following an injury to Ryan Madson. The Reds organization, among others, maintained the idea of Chapman moving to the rotation. This flame throwing monster has no business as a starter. I don’t know what it is but I have never seen his value as starter. He has thrown 67 innings and his body is tired! How much more valuable is a guy who can change the course of a team’s season 1 inning at a time or one that pitches 5 innings every 5 days? It takes a mix and the Reds young staff has performed but without Chapman closing the door the team would be in a much different spot. Of the top saves leaders all but Cleveland’s Chris Perez is on a team vying for a playoff spot! I think this is the right move and should allow Chapman the time off he needs to get back to 105 all night long followed by his patented grown ass man tumble!

While I am on the subject of resting pitchers…why didn’t the Nationals rest Stephen Strasburg throughout the year? Had he been held to pitch every 10 days then we wouldn’t be asking what will happen to the Nationals but rather who can beat the Nationals!

Tags: Aroldis Chapman, Cuban Missle, Rest

Category: Featured, Pro Sports