Exciting minor league news

by Travis G on Jul 1, 2009 11:21 PM EDT in Minors

We'll start with the apparent defection of Cuban southpaw Aroldis Chapman (translated from a Spanish-language article) -

The pitcher Aroldis Chapman, among the most promising pitchers in the Island, left the national team in baseball since Thursday to participate in the traditional tournament in Rotterdam (Netherlands).

"I am very happy. So far everything has gone well. It was a plan I had was a decision I took. I wanted to try this in baseball," said Chapman to CUBAENCUENTRO.com from a city whose name will not be revealed for security reasons. Now his plans are "sign with a team and play in Major League."

Do y'all remember Chapman from the WBC? The 21-year-old lefty that touched 100 MPH? Man it would be nice to get him into the organization. A power lefty is such a rarity that this option should be fully explored by the front office. (h/t to RAB)

Jesus is officially on fire, going 2-3 with a HR, 2B and BB, raising his Double-A batting line to .319/.395/.542.

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I seen him.

Might be a lefty King Felix.

I wonder the cost.

by FreeBradshaw on Jul 2, 2009 7:18 AM EDT reply actions

let's not jump the gun on Chapman

We haven’t exactly had the best luck in signing international pitchers, outside of Wang and El Duque. And the guy’s numbers don’t look all that good – according to that Baseball Reference piece, he was good in international competition in 2007, and so-so (or worse) just about everywhere else. Plus, who knows if he’s really 21?

by long time listener on Jul 2, 2009 9:10 AM EDT reply actions

If he's

throwing 95+ as a lefty. that’s reason enough to sign him, no matter what his real age is.

Bust happens. but that’s not an execuse to not try. WIthout all the busts you won’t have all the good playesr either.

by RollingWave on Jul 2, 2009 11:34 AM EDT reply actions

as long as he doesn't end up like.....

Kei Igawa

by ReggieARodJeter on Jul 2, 2009 12:04 PM EDT reply actions

He really can't

there’s no $25 MILLION posting fee.

I don’t think he gets a $25 mill contract either (at least Id think not…)

Yanks could go 3-4 years, $4 million per…. Kinda high, but if this guy is 21 at the youngest and as a defector he’s gonna command around that.

If he was in the MLB draft he’s be a Top 5 pick, so its worth it.

by FreeBradshaw on Jul 2, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions

It's only money

Sign him.

Everybody is going to hate us anyway, might as well kick the tires on this guy and see what he can do.

by New York Sports Jerk on Jul 2, 2009 12:06 PM EDT reply actions

Chapmam-Who Knows?

There is really no way of telling how good Chapman really would be in the major leagues. The Yankees are still paying for Igawa among other foreign players who turned out to be a bust. There is a good chance Chapman is not really 21 and how hard he throws is not as important as how much movement he has on his pitches. Check him out,but be careful about how much you are going to spend and what you will really be getting for your money.

by Yank7 on Jul 2, 2009 2:49 PM EDT reply actions