Aroldis Chapman hits 100 mph, strikes out three in Reds debut – Big League Stew – MLB Blog – Yahoo! Sports
newjustin: GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Chris Getz(notes) confirmed what the radar gun said about Aroldis Chapman(notes).
“Yeah, he’s bringing it,” Getz said after Chapman’s Cactus League debut.
Cincinnati’s Cuban curiosity threw at least one pitch that reached 100 mph, according to the scouts that were clocking him, and he struck out three Kansas City Royals over two scoreless innings on Monday afternoon.
Chapman, via Cincinnati Reds translator Tony Fossas (remember him?) didn’t see why a big fuss was being made over his velocity.
“I wasn't trying to throw any harder, or anything like that, I was just working on my pitches,” the just-turned 22-year-old Chapman said. “If I did hit that high, it’s just one of those things.”
Yes, Aroldis, 100 is the new 90.
After relieving Bronson Arroyo(notes) to start the third inning, Chapman allowed one hit — a sharp single to countryman Brayan Pena(notes) — and a walk. Of his 26 pitches, 15 were strikes, though his control sharpened after a ragged beginning.
“I’ll take 100 and command,” manager Dusty Baker said.
True, it was only two innings and it was only against the Royals, who employed Rick Ankiel(notes) as a cleanup hitter and Alberto Callaspo(notes) in the five hole.
But the buzz seems justified so far for Chapman, whom the Reds signed to a $30-million contract (more if he meets incentives) in the offseason's most surprising deal.
