Many Reds fans want to see Chapman in the starting rotation.
- that is why the Reds signed him, to start
- the general feeling is that starters have more 'value' than even the best closer
- Chapman, if a #1/#2 type starter would give the Reds one of the best rotations in baseball (along with Cueto, Latos, Bailey, Arroyo)
- Many baseball 'experts' agree that a balanced starting rotation has at least one lefty (see Chapman)
While many of us would like to see Chapman in the starting rotation, it seems to be a fair consensus that given his success as a closer this past season, the Reds are likely to leave him in that role.
Q1. If the Reds were to move Chapman to the starting rotation, come next August / September would they not be faced with the same situation that the Nationals just had with Strasburg, re; innings count?
Q2. If you start a pitcher out as a reliever, it is very difficult to switch him to the rotation mid-season, but wouldn't be easier to take a starter to the bullpen?
Personally I don't think the Reds are likely to make a change in Chapman's role. He did too good a job at closing. Walt will say "If it ain't broke, don't try and fix it."
Your thoughts?