Reds @ Milwaukee (Algonquin for 'The good land') - 8/16/2013

[BuckeyeRedleg]

Streak killer.

All of his blown saves have killed pretty decent winning streaks. Once things are getting seemingly too good to be true he lays a dud and brings the team back down to earth.

I don't trust him in the playoffs. Wish I could, but I can't.

[CrackerJack]

I've said this before, the main reason to have a top closer is the playoffs. Over a full season, even the best only save around 85-90%. You want a guy in the playoffs who you have confidence will be 100%. Not sure Chapman is that guy yet.

How many teams actually have that?

Chapman seems very sensitive to inconsistent appearances though.

[Plus Plus]

Chapman...

Save % 19th/30
ERA 19th/30
WHIP 18th/30

K/9 1st/MLB

He's doing something right.

[KittyDuran]

When Chapman blows them, it sure feels like a punch to the gut. The 3 that really stick out are the game at Philly, SD and tonight.

Looking at the stats, Chapman has 4 blown saves this year resulting in losses - Leake has started the last 3: 8/16 (Brewers 6-7), 7/29 (Padres 1-2), and 6/22 (D-Backs 3-4).

[757690]

How many teams actually have that?

Chapman seems very sensitive to inconsistent appearances though.

Very few. Very few in the history of the game. But the ones that do, win Championships.

[Falcon7]

No one mentioned Votto's ridiculous slide???? ZERO. Chance at at DP and he slide to break up the DP and totally missed the bag and he would've been safe at 2nd. What in God's name was he thinking.

I agree, (his play/baseball instincts) are just beyond weird...

[Crumbley]

K/9 1st/MLB

He's doing something right.

His job is to get three outs, doesn't matter how. He isn't great at that.

Tough to get too upset, team has been playing great, will vanquish the Brewers tomorrow.

[Tom Servo]

Looking at the stats, Chapman has 4 blown saves this year resulting in losses - Leake has started the last 3: 8/16 (Brewers 6-7), 7/29 (Padres 1-2), and 6/22 (D-Backs 3-4).

Not a single out recorded in those 3 games.

[EMAW]

His stats are pretty middle of the pack as far as closers go, 3.10 ERA

[757690]

It's really not fair to look at a closer's stats after a blown save. Their stats are highly volatile. Two solid weeks and Chapman could be a top closer stat wise.

That said, he definitely isn't an elite closer, and I've always said he needs to be to justify not using him as a starter.

[lollipopcurve]

Chapman is not exactly considered a work horse...had no business in the game. Now you can bet he will set tomorrow...should of set tonight and let Hoover finish the game, he was nasty in the 8th and Chapman would of been ready for tomorrow....

Can we question this decision? Or will be get bashed?

I won't bash you. Happen to agree. Push-button bullpen management can be a problem when a team goes through streaks. Last night there should have been a righthander pitching the 9th, with Chapman getting some rest after 4 games in 5 days, IMO.

[UK Reds Fan]

It's really not fair to look at a closer's stats after a blown save. Their stats are highly volatile. Two solid weeks and Chapman could be a top closer stat wise.

That said, he definitely isn't an elite closer, and I've always said he needs to be to justify not using him as a starter.

But we're 120 games into the season....the stats are what they are for 2013 season at this point. Chappie's 100mph pony show is great and all, but he isn't shut down closer. As for the future, it doesn't look wise to go big contract on Chappie at this point.

[redssince75]

I just watched the pitch. It didn't look like a slider. (A slider that didn't slide?) It didn't look like a fastball. It just looked like a BP fastball right down the middle. Kind of strange.

[Raisor]

Yeah just saw the replay, that pitch had nothing on it

[osuredleg24]

I just watched the pitch. It didn't look like a slider. (A slider that didn't slide?) It didn't look like a fastball. It just looked like a BP fastball right down the middle. Kind of strange.

I believe they call that a hanging slider