Aroldis Chapman

Bio

School: none
Drafted: defected from Cuba, currently a free agent
Scouting Report: Tall, lean and loose, thick legs, high hips, long arms, legs and fingers. Whippy body; physically matured, limber and powerful.  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.  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.  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. -baseballbeginnings.com

Rumors

Top 20 Baseball Prospects For 2010 (2/5/2010)
A look at the aggregate rankings of top prospects heading into the 2010 season from various sources through the baseball media.

Aroldis Chapman Signs With Cincinnati (1/10/2010)
Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman has reportedly agreed to a five year contract with the Cincinnati Reds worth $30M.

Red Sox Off Season: Jason Bay, Alex Gonzalez, Rich Harden, Ben Sheets (11/21/2009)

Rating: 7.5 / 10

Pictures