Comments on: Link Dump: Aroldis Chapman Edition

By: Sleepy Carl

Sleepy Carl — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:41:22 +0000

He only had 1 swing and miss vs Japan? That’s kinda troubling for a guy who throws 100.

By: toad

toad — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:54:06 +0000

Thanks, Joe.

You’re forgiven, TSJC.

By: yanksfan81

yanksfan81 — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:10:47 +0000

its going to be a huge gamble but some team is going to pay 30 million, to take that chance. He’s 21, left handed and has proven he can throw a 100. He hasn’t been over used, no serious surgeries/ injuries. As far his build i wouldn’t worry to much about it, most 21yr olds fill out, especially with a good trainer.
I could care less about his stats have shown so far, with a good pitching coach i’m sure his command, control and breaking pitches would all improve. My biggest concern would be his mental make up, to see if he can handle the huge pressure and expectation that will follow him especially if he sign with the Yanks
I’m not advocating signing him at any cost, but you can never have to many talented pitching prospect. I would like to see the Yanks do all the homework and if it makes sense sign him. Best case he ends up a frontline starter, mid hes a very good reliever/ closer worst he’s combo of Brackman/ Igawa. No matter what he get 30 plus million from somebody

By: Lanny

Lanny — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:19:19 +0000

Figures I could count on the Super Fans here. To even say that draftees like Bust Brackman should be given ML contracts is laughable. Then again I barely expect common sense.

How anyone can defend Brackman being given a ML contract? But these are the same guys who think Cashman is doing a phenomenal job because he can hand out blank checks.

By: Beej

Beej — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 01:36:05 +0000

Another wastenof dough. Give me lackey

By: Matcohen

Matcohen — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:26:26 +0000

So let me get this straight:
1) The guy walked 11.8% of batters in 2009
2) This was equal to 11.8% in 2008 (i.e. no improvement).
3) He supposedly has dominant stuff.
4) His control must be fairly bad.
5) Low homeruns are nice – I have no idea if this is park driven or hitter driven though.
6) Strikeouts are nice at 25.2% and 24.7% in 2008 and 2009 but not off the charts (also, no improvement).
7) He’s skinny and already 21 which means that he could have durability issues.
control is as much of a skill as speed – you don’t just learn it. You need to be able to throw within 3-6 inches over 60 feet 6 inches – not an easy thing to do. The minors are littered with guys who could throw hard but had poor control.

Sounds like a lefty Cuban version of Dellin Betances. Dellin k’d 27.3% and walked 11.9% in 2008 at low A. The Yanks paid $1 million for him – fair money for a high ceiling, low probability signee.

Anyone who wants to pay this kid much more than that is nuts, imho. Guys that are worth that much (Strasbourg) actually have decent control.

And yes, I know that Chapman is a free agent and Americans aren’t so that Chapman can get more money in a true free market. Still, I don’t think that given the risk, he is worth anywhere near $40-$50 million.

By: yankeegirl49

yankeegirl49 — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:04:41 +0000

OUCH!

By: yankeegirl49

yankeegirl49 — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:59:56 +0000

I feel REALLY old!

By: RichYF

RichYF — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:37:37 +0000

Holy crap. 7?! Good Mo, I thought I was young…

By: JMK aka The Overshare

JMK aka The Overshare — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:32:32 +0000

Is the waitress a drunken broad that smokes? For what it’s worth, I was expecting Don Rickels. At least his son is funny.