I find it both difficult and easy to believe that the Nationals are going after Aroldis Chapman:
A bullpen reinforcement makes sense for the Nationals and Chapman is one of the best arms available. Though Washington’s relief corps is tops in the majors in ERA and second in FIP, there are questions at the back end. Jonathan Papelbon has tossed six scoreless innings since returning from the disabled list on July 4, but his fastball velocity has tumbled to 91 mph and he isn’t missing bats like he used to. His hard-ball rate (32.2.) is the highest it’s been since his rookie year and his strikeout percentage is down to 22.8 percent. His ERA is 2.64. Last season, it was 2.13.
It seems to me the Nationals are looking for trouble where it doesn’t exist. They did this twice before, and neither time it worked out well. If they want a set up man, trade for a setup man. They will come with a lower price tag. This only makes sense if they are trying to drive up Chapman’s price to competitors.
from baseballmusings.com http://ift.tt/2a8jHT5
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