The Yankees have reportedly traded for Aroldis Chapman. The Reds get pitchers Caleb Cotham and Rookie Davis (what’s in a name?) and low profile infielders Eric Jagielo and Tony Renda. Besides Cotham the damage is not too big.
Cotham is considered a big talent by many even though his ERA told a different story last season. In twelve games he clinched one win, posted a 6.52 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP. In the minors Cotham posted much better numbers as he had a 2.77 in Trenton and a 1.74 ERA in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Rookie Davis split the season between A Advanced and AA. Combined he had a 3.86 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP with the Tampa Yankees and the Trenton Thunder.
Eric Jagielo spent the season in Trenton where he hit .284. Tony Renda was acquired by the Yankees from the Nationals. For both organizations he spent the season at AA, where he hit .269.
Chapman fled Cuba via the Netherlands where he was about to participate in the World Port Tournament in Rotterdam with the Cuban team, back in 2009. After spending time in the minors, Chapman debuted with the Reds on August 31, 2010. The left handed flamethrower posted a 19-20 record and a 2.71 record in six seasons in the bigs. Chapman has recorded the fastest pitch thrown as it was clocked at 105 mph.
Champman’s trade value took a blow after he was linked to domestic violence. There is still an investigation going on on the alleged felony.
Chapman, Betances and Miller would be a formidable end of the bullpen. But the question is whether the Yankees will keep Chapman in an already stud bullpen next to Betances and Miller. Since the Yankees do not need a second closer type, it may be very likely that they will put Miller in the shopping window to get a MLB ready young starting pitcher that they can keep under their control for a long time to come, as Chapman is not a desirable trading chip right now.
Dutch Baseball Hangout 