Chapman had one of the greatest seasons by a closer in history, posting a 1.51 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and a whopping 122 Ks in just 71 IP, and now the Reds are prepared to turn him loose on the starting rotation.
He posted a 5.3 K/BB ratio and he cut his walk rate by 2/3rds, from 7.4/9 to 2.9/9 last year.
In 135 career IP, he's allowed just 68 hits and 6 HRs with 212 Ks. And oh yeah, he throws 105 mph.
So can he hold up as a starter? Recent conversions Chris Sale & Lance Lynn made a great transition to starter, but Daniel Bard, Neftali Feliz and Joba Chamberlain all failed.
Can his throwing arm withstand thousands of 100-mph pitches?
I'll say he goes 175 IP with a 13-6 record, 3.10 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 220 Ks.
He posted a 5.3 K/BB ratio and he cut his walk rate by 2/3rds, from 7.4/9 to 2.9/9 last year.
In 135 career IP, he's allowed just 68 hits and 6 HRs with 212 Ks. And oh yeah, he throws 105 mph.
So can he hold up as a starter? Recent conversions Chris Sale & Lance Lynn made a great transition to starter, but Daniel Bard, Neftali Feliz and Joba Chamberlain all failed.
Can his throwing arm withstand thousands of 100-mph pitches?
I'll say he goes 175 IP with a 13-6 record, 3.10 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 220 Ks.
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