We need to see the big Cuban lefty on the mound every five days for seven innings or more at a time. When he came in games in the 7th or 8th innings we felt like we only got a taste of the dominance that Chapman is capable of. His three outs went by so fast, as did his fastballs, that we were left begging for more after the inning was over. We want more of the missile. As I said before we were robbed of this last year because of the Madson injury. Chapman had prepared all off season, and even spring training to be a starter before he was forced back into the bullpen, and eventually the closer role. To be fair Aroldis excelled in his role as the Reds closer, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't be a starter. He was signed to a huge contract with every intention to be a starter the stars have simply lined up against the Reds and forced their hand. Aroldis needs to be let off of his leash and deserves a chance to develop into an ace, which the Reds organization has said they believe he can. He deserves a shot.
This year the Reds front office has again told Chapman to prepare in the off season to be in the starting rotation in 2013. The Reds have just signed Jonathan Broxton to a 3 year deal to keep him around, and look for him to be the closer this year. If that doesn't allow Aroldis to get his shot as a starter then I don't know what will. With Broxton in the ninth a choice of Arrendondo, LeCure, Simon, Hoover, or Sean Marshall in the 7th and 8th innings, they simply don't need to keep a great arm like Chapman held down in the bullpen anymore. We need to see a rotation of Cueto, Latos, Chapman, Arroyo, and Bailey with Mike Leake sliding to the bullpen. The back of that rotation could be changed depending on performance in the spring, but the front three needs to stay the same. Imagine a playoff series where the Reds throw out Cueto, Latos, and Chapman in the first three games.That is terrifying. Don't screw this up Walt and Dusty.
Free Aroldis.
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