It is being reported all over the industry that the Reds have signed Aroldis Chapman to a 5 year deal worth $30 million. The rumors all seem to start with a tweet from Jeff Blair in Toronto. I guess if he is wrong, then a lot of people will be back tracking.
I am very surprised by the Reds shelling out this kind of money for the unknown Chapman. There are a multitude of questions relating to his makeup, his secondary pitches, and whether he is major league ready or not. Although I would have liked the Mets to sign him and add another chip to the farm system, I never thought there was a chance so I am not disappointed.
However, I am intrigued because the Reds were said to be, at least partially, interested in trading a salary or two. They have some big salaries in Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, Fransisco Cordero (all over $10 million a year), and Brandon Phillips ($6.75 million in 2010 and $11 million in 2011). My mouth is watering at the chance to pick up Phillips and a starter, drop Castillo and another piece or two, and call it a day. It would certainly save the Reds some money, fill some holes for us, and allow the rotation to pick up an innings guy without having to overspend for a guy like Pineiro or Garland.
With a stable guy added in the rotation like Harang, it would be a lot easier to take a flyer on a guy like Ben Sheets as well. We will see what the ramifications of this are.
I Love Harang he is a 200+ inning eater he would fit in nicely. I would love to have Phillips though I don't see the Reds getting rid of there face just yet. But it would be great if they did include him in a package with Aaron.
Posted by: Mike | January 11, 2010 at 08:03 AM