Despite his recent off-field issues, (burglary where his girlfriend was tied up and an arrest in May for speeding) Reds closer Aroldis the “Cuban Missile” Chapman refuses to let anything prevent him from being the most dominant relief pitcher in all of baseball. After throwing Major League Baseball’s fastest pitch (105.5 mph), it is easy to see why hitters aren’t exactly running up to the plate to face the 6’4 lefty. I started to wonder why it was taking Reds’ Manager Dusty Baker so long to give the 24-year-old Chapman the closer role. After having nearly doubled his strikeouts to innings pitched, and still yet to give up an earned run this season, I guess you could say it was the obvious move.
Amazingly, opposing hitters have only produced 7 base hits in the 28.0 innings Chapman has pitched in 2012, including 50+ strikeouts and a 0.00 ERA. Many Reds fans are starting an outcry, saying that Chapman should be promoted to starter. They have a solid point, and being alongside Matt Latos, Johnny Cueto, and an aging Bronson Arroyo, he could be a refreshing addition to the staff. Baker says Chapman is needed more as a reliever, though he eventually will make the transition to the starting rotation. Chapman has posted 5 saves since becoming the Reds closer, and has become a top fantasy option at the position.
