Aroldis Chapman=David Price?

[WVRed]

Disclaimer: I am not comparing Chapman to Price in terms of stuff, but more in terms of development and how Chapman could be used this season.

When Price came up in 2008, he was used primarily out of the bullpen (although I do think he made a start or two late in the season). However, during the playoffs, he was used ultimately as a closer.

Given the dread when Cordero enters a game, could the Reds groom Chapman to close if the need would arise?

[The Operator]

Well, Cordero has looked a lot better as of late.

I'd say it would take a major reversal of Cordero's recent renaissance to make Dusty lose faith in him now, after sticking with him this whole time. Even then, I think Masset would get the closer's gig before the rookie.

[traderumor]

Situationally, perhaps in the regular season. In the playoffs, where you are just trying to survive, I could see him being called on to get some really big outs no matter what time of the game they occur.

[Redsfan320]

I don't know, but check the new avatar.

320

[GOYA]

Chapman already is a closer but I doubt Dusty will use him as such. Maybe after CoCo implodes.

[I(heart)Freel]

I was thinking about that watching him face the 3 batters last night. This kid is no LOOGY.

He clearly can fool righties or lefties. His splits in Louisville bear this out, although he does perform slightly better against lefties.

So I don't think he'll be situational at all. Maybe brought in to start the inning against the toughie lefty but then pitches out the inning (assuming no trouble).

[membengal]

High leverage situations show up earlier than the 9th inning...so, Chapman whenever they are in a high leverage sitauation late is fine by me for 2010.

[fisch11]

The one thing that stands out to me with Chapman that is different than Price is his delivery and deception. He is more abstract with his legs and elbows flying around in his delivery and I think it helps him hide the ball and deceive the hitter's ability to recognize the pitch quickly. On top of that, he throws 100+ which makes it even harder to catch up to it without recognizing it first. Put it this way, he could throw 93 with the same delivery and be effective...having the heat on top of it is just an added bonus. Hitters have to commit sooner and when he drops the slider it's too late. Hopefully he makes the same successful transition that Price made from the bullpen to the rotation next year.

[fisch11]

Originally Posted by I(heart)Freel

I was thinking about that watching him face the 3 batters last night. This kid is no LOOGY.

He clearly can fool righties or lefties. His splits in Louisville bear this out, although he does perform slightly better against lefties.

So I don't think he'll be situational at all. Maybe brought in to start the inning against the toughie lefty but then pitches out the inning (assuming no trouble).

Excellent point against right handed hitters. If he can throw that slider down and in to right handers like he did last night.....well like the Cowboy says, "Good Night, Irene."

[15fan]

Chapman's debut:

http://www.redszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66814

[Cyclone792]

Originally Posted by membengal

High leverage situations show up earlier than the 9th inning...so, Chapman whenever they are in a high leverage sitauation late is fine by me for 2010.

Absolutely. Anytime he's available and high leverage situations occur in the 7th or later, Chapman's a guy I'm definitely looking to use.

Taking a bit more macro approach, I'm really hoping that Bryan Price has been able to work out Cordero's mechanics and I'm also really hoping that Rhodes can rebound. Just think of a late inning quartet of Cordero-Masset-Rhodes-Chapman all pitching well down the stretch and in the postseason. That's a series of bullpen hammers right there that has the potential to give the Reds a serious advantage in any close playoff game.

[paulrichjr]

Originally Posted by Cyclone792

....quartet of Cordero-Masset-Rhodes-Chapman all pitching well down the stretch and in the postseason. That's a series of bullpen hammers right there that has the potential to give the Reds a serious advantage in any close playoff game.

Nasty Boys Part II - Seriously with the Nasty Boys Trio if the Reds got to the 6th with a lead it was over. This quartet could be even better.

Speaking of Nasty Boys. Anyone remember the T-shirt that had all three on the front with cartoon characters and extra large heads? I had that one and wish I still did. Memories of 1990 are coming back.

[edabbs44]

Utley. Howard. McCann. Heyward. Huff. A Gonzo.

Besides being very key offensive contributors to potential playoff opponents, what do these guys all have in common?

[HeatherC1212]

Originally Posted by edabbs44

Utley. Howard. McCann. Heyward. Huff. A Gonzo.

Besides being very key offensive contributors to potential playoff opponents, what do these guys all have in common?

They're all lefties who could be neutralized by the Cuban Missile in the post season. What do I win for guessing it right?! :

[SunDeck]

I'm usually not a believer in hype, but I'm wondering if it's going to be more accurate to say that Aroldis Chapman = Aroldis Chapman.