John Klima | February 26, 2010
Aroldis Chapman got paid and now begins the process of molding a great pitcher’s body and a big arm into a major league starter. This is the first rung of the ladder in professional baseball for Chapman, and Baseball Beginnings has exclusive footage of Chapman’s first on-the-mound bullpen as a paid pro. Have a look and then we will break him down.
John Klima | January 2, 2010
“Swish” was Bob Thurman’s nickname, long before it was a shoe logo. Thurman was a left-handed hitting outfielder and pitcher who played for the Homestead Grays in the last Negro League World Series in 1948. When he signed with the Kansas City Monarchs and eventually found his way to the major leagues with the Cincinnati Reds, he had changed his age more than his socks.
“I have had my age put back so many times,” an amused and demurring Thurman wrote, “I can’t remember my real age.”
There is humor in history, but a lesson to be learned for today’s Major League teams that pursue Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman.
John Klima | July 2, 2009
Aroldis Chapman, LHP
Cuban National Team
(Free Agent)
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Tall, lean and loose, thick legs, high hips, long arms, legs and fingers. Whippy body; physically matured, limber and powerful.
STRENGTHS: FB pitches at 93-95 with glove-side run, topped 100, several 97-98. 2-seam FB at 91-92. SL 82 and hard, glove-side sink. Overall command average to below-average. FB control ranges from average to above average. Workhorse type; different look from left-side; looks like an athlete. Repeats delivery and well-coordinated for big man, smooth gas, easy effort, arm speed is a blur.
WEAKNESSES: Freeze frame him and it looks like his elbow will snap off. Lacks third pitch, DNS CB, would need third pitch and different plane variation to become true top-tier starter. Doesn’t show a flair for pitch ability; relies mostly on FB velocity and control of that pitch. Highly talented though still incomplete arm, inconsistent command and control are concerns. Needs to learn to pitch like a professional.
SUMMARY: True rarity, power arm from LHP, easy gas, should be a No. 1 starter based on pure physicality of stuff and body. Two put-away power pitches; prefer if he had a third show-me off-speed pitch to start with. Age listed at 21, but body looks more like 28. As is, could have a year or two of exceptional success and a number of workhorse years if he can stay healthy.
Overall Future Potential: 60
Read The Risk Factors of Aroldis Chapman
More Cincinnati Reds prospects:
Read Mike Leake Q&A
Read Mike Leake Scouting Report
Read updated Mike Leake Scouting Report
Watch Mike Leake Scouting Video
Read Who Will Be the Better Pro: Stephen Strasburg or Mike Leake?
Read Brad Boxberger Scouting Report
Watch Brad Boxberger Scouting Video
Read Chris Heisey Scouting Report
Read Yonder Alonso Scouting Report
