Two years ago today, left-hander Aroldis Chapman made his Major League debut with the Reds. The $30.25MM man topped 100 mph four times in his perfect inning of work. These days Chapman is arguably the most dominant closer in baseball, with 113 strikeouts in just 64 innings this season. Here's the latest from around the web, with a large helping of Red Sox-Dodgers blockbuster reactions…
- Both MLB Reports and Row 12 say the big trade makes sense for everyone.
- The Barnstormer and Lasorda's Lair wrote about the return of Dodger blue.
- Chad Moriyama says the trade carries significant risk for the Dodgers.
- True Blue LA wrote about the Dodgers and the luxury tax following the trade.
- Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness looked at what Josh Beckett could bring to the Dodgers.
- Talkin' Sox with Dan says the Red Sox can thank Adrian Gonzalez for the trade.
- MLB Injury News looked at Carl Crawford and trades involving injured players.
- Over The Monster wrote about the Red Sox and discipline following the trade.
- BoSox Injection thinks Cody Ross and David Ortiz could benefit most from the deal.
- The Giants Cove looked at the trade from the Giants' point of view.
- Yanks Go Yard says the Yankees' deadline moves have failed to make an impact.
- Wahoo's on First lists some last-minute trade destinations for Casey Kotchman.
- Rising Apple wonders if Collin McHugh or Jenrry Mejia could be trade bait this winter.
- Call to the Pen says J.J. Hardy's future is a question with Manny Machado called up.
- I-70 Baseball says the Royals shouldn't be having this much trouble contending.
- Cleveland Indians Perspective looked at some potential Indians' September call-ups.
- Seedlings to Stars wrote about Yasel Puig's hot start in the minors.
- MLB on Deck wonders why players are still getting caught for using PEDs.
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>Call to the Pen says J.J. Hardy’s future is a question with Manny Machado called up.
I don’t see it happening… that just opens up a giant hole at 3B and Hardy’s defense has been great, so it’ll be a downgrade defensively at SS. Unless we sign or trade for a good 3B in the offseason, I’d say just keep Machado at 3B.
This isn’t meant as an insult to Hardy as he is a decent defensive SS, but you really have to question the LT contract he got after last year and especially how much total.
Mike Aviles, making 1.2m is pretty much the same thing in that he has poor plate discipline, decent power, low OBP and good defense at SS. I don’t see how Duquette could move Hardy and his 14m left on that deal even if he wanted without paying a huge chunk of it and no disrespect intended towards hardy.
He’s a steal at 7 million. Even in a “Down year”, Fangraphs has him at being worth 8.4 million this year because of his defense. A SS who plays gold glove level defense and hits 20 homers is something you couldn’t find for 10 million in most cases, let alone 7.
Like I posted.. Not trying to insult Hardy and I am not one to throw out fancy stats as many here are.. but just take a look at WAR.. For 7m in 2013 and 2014..2.2WAR this year. that is a pretty stiff amount for 7mAAV and i was just comparing him to someone like Aviles making 1.2m and whose WAR at SS is 2.4.
I have a feeling no team is bending over backwards to acquire Aviles (as was proven at the non waiver deadline) and his defense has been well above average this year. Why would a team give up aplenty for Hardy and then pay him 14m?
it’s nothing against hardy and the same applies to Rollins and Philly fans thinking he is worth a lot and having to take on his 22m = easilly obtainable 11m option for glove only.
Orioles> RS. They are doing something right. Don’t mess up good chemistry