Chapman blows the save as Reds lose in ninth - Aroldis Chapman | CIN

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Aroldis Chapman blew his second straight save chance Sunday in the Reds' loss to the Phillies.

Closing Time: Cishek struggles, Murphy ablaze, Moreland still raking

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

So Thursday's slate played out pretty much the way we all expected. Aroldis Chapman blew a save against the Marlins, Justin Verlander gave up eight runs and couldn't escape the third, and, of course, Francisco Liriano struck out seven batters in an easy win.

Baseball, you guys. Almost too predictable. Why they even play the games, I don't really know.

We're heading straight to the bullets, because nothing makes sense just now...

• Stay ready, Mike Dunn. Steve Cishek took an extra-inning loss on Thursday (following the Chapman blown save), giving up three hits, two walks and three runs to the Reds. He struck out no one, raising his ERA to 5.40 and his WHIP

Closer Report: Rankings for Week 6

Source: Fake Teams by Ray Guilfoyle

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel sits atop the Closer Rankings for the sixth week in a row, with Reds closer Aroldis Chapman close behind. Both blew a save over the past few days, but until they blow a few in a row, there is no cause for concern. I have made a few changes in the Top 15 closers this week, with Cardinals closer Edward Mujica

Mostly MLB Notes: James Shields hot start, examining bullpens and prospect talk

Source: Roto Arcade by Dalton Del Don

Leaving a home park that ranked first, second and seventh when it comes to suppressing runs scored over the past three years respectively (according to Park Factors) and a defense that has the highest UZR over that span as well, I was down on James Shields entering 2013. After all, he was just two years removed from a season in which he posted a 5.18 ERA and 1.46 WHIP. But I’ve been dead

J.J. Hoover: Sunday Save

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

J.J. Hoover: Hoover got the save Sunday against the Cubs with both Aroldis Chapman and Jonathan Broxton unavailable. He allowed a hit and then committed a throwing error on a potential double play ball, but then retired the side on two short fly outs and a pop-up. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Minor Accomplishments: Week 5

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Almost exactly a year after Aroldis Chapman was pulled over and arrested for driving well over 90 MPH in Ohio, Yasiel Puig, Champan’s Cuban countryman, was arrested for essentially the same thing.  Puig was pulled over early last week for reckless driving after being clocked at 97 MPH in 50 MPH zone.  The incident came at the tail end of a short stint on the DL, and the 22-year-old’s promising start to 2013 appeared to be unraveling thanks to injury and matters off the field.  But Puig was unfazed by the arrest, cracking a homer the very next day, and another a few days later.  His line on the year is

Closing Time: Buying time for Tony Cingrani; Hanley Ramirez hurt again

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

Casual Friday rules are in play, which means we'll go right to the bullets. But the wall-to-wall coverage of Cincinnati's rookie left-hander continues. Score like a champion today, gamer.

• Tony Cingrani returns to the mound Saturday for his fourth start with the Reds. He's quickly becoming appointment television after three electric turns (1.50 ERA, 28 K, 4 BB), including last week's six-inning domination of the Nationals (2 H, 0 R, 11 K). The Cubs will be well-armed as well, sending Jeff Samardzija to the mound. Opening pitch is 1:05 pm ET.

Cingrani owners can't just worry about their man, of course. There are peripheral elements in play; Cingrani's 2013 role with the club is

Roto Roundup: Hanley Ramirez, Aroldis Chapman, Chris Davis, and Others

Source: Fake Teams by Ray Guilfoyle

I just want to remind everyone that you can post any fantasy questions here in the comments section of the Roto Roundup, so feel free to ask as many questions as you would like.

I get the MLB Extra Innings package via Comcast Cable and for some reason last night, they did not show the Dodgers-Giants game. This happens from time to time, but could they have picked another day, like when Clayton Kershaw wasn't pitching?

Carlos Martinez makes his major league debut

The

Closer Report: Rankings for Week 4

Source: Fake Teams by Ray Guilfoyle

I did not get to the Closer Report for Week 3 last week, but here it is for Week 4. As expected, there have been some volatility in the closer roles for several teams, and there could be more on the horizon. I will discuss each situation below.

With that said, here are the Week 4 Closer Rankings:

Rank

Closer/Middle Reliever

Team

1

Craig Kimbrel

ATL

2

Aroldis Chapman

CIN

3

Rafael Soriano

WAS

4

Jonathan Papelbon

PHI

5

Mariano

Ruggiano’s ninth inning blast downs Reds - Justin Ruggiano | FLA

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Justin Ruggiano blasted a solo home run off Aroldis Chapman in the ninth inning on Friday, powering the Marlins to a 2-1 victory over the Reds.

Chapman earns first save, Reds beat Angels - Aroldis Chapman | CIN

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Aroldis Chapman notched his first save of 2013 in the Reds' 5-4 defeat of the Angels on Thursday afternoon.

Fantasy Baseball: Bullpen Woes

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

It’s already started, and no one is pleased about it. I’m not talking about the fact that Kim Kardashian is wearing tight skirts and sexy outfits despite being pregnant and really showing (am I the only one that thinks that is a hideous look?). I’m talking about 9th inning woes. Last year two-thirds of closers changed from Opening Day on, and the turnover is usually in the

Mostly MLB Notes: A 2013 Season Preview

Source: Roto Arcade by Dalton Del Don

Editor’s note: I wanted to get this posted much earlier, but I had my first kid recently (well, technically my wife had her), so that’s my excuse for the delay.

National League East

1. Washington Nationals
2. Atlanta Braves (WILD CARD)
3. Philadelphia Phillies
4. New York Mets
5. Miami Marlins

Comments/Fantasy Predictions: Both Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper are top-15 fantasy players, while Dan Haren is a top-25 starting pitcher. Ryan Zimmerman proves to be a better pick than Evan Longoria, while Drew

Fantasy Beat – A Bit of Basketball & A Lot of Baseball

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Justin Fensterman and Trevor Ray discuss a few key players to keep an eye out on your fantasy basketball waiver wires to make sure you win a championship. They also dive big into draft strategy for fantasy baseball to make sure you are ready for Opening Day.

 

NBA: Kevin Garnett, Jody Meeks, Steve Blake, Josh McRoberts

MLB: Aroldis Chapman, Craig Kimbrel, Rookies,  Tiering, Yasiel Puig, Dylan Bundy

Closer Report for March 28th

Source: Fake Teams by Ray Guilfoyle

With 2013 fantasy drafts this weekend and into next week for some of you (and me), here is my take on the 2013 closer rankings heading into Opening Day, which is just four days away.

I will be publishing the Closer Report on a weekly basis going forward, probably on Monday mornings. I will release a full schedule of all of our in-season coverage tomorrow.

2013 Closer Rankings

1. Craig Kimbrel, ATL

2. Aroldis Chapman, CIN

3. Fernando Rodney, TB

4.

Top 200 Rankings: Updated for March 24th

Source: Fake Teams by Ray Guilfoyle

I have updated my Top 200 Rankings to address some recent injuries to Hanley Ramirez, Chase Headley and Aroldis Chapman's move from the Reds rotation back into the closer role.

Hanley Ramirez, LAD

Ramirez suffered a torn ligament in his right thumb playing in the WBC tournament and will miss 8 weeks, or 6 weeks of the regular season. He should be back by mid-May but there will be some big questions to answer as to how this will impact his power. I

Aroldis Chapman: Officially Named Closer

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Aroldis Chapman: The Reds announced Friday that Chapman will close this season, John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

It's official: Chapman will be Reds' closer - Aroldis Chapman | CIN

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Reds general manager Walt Jocketty and manager Dusty Baker officially announced Friday that Aroldis Chapman will be the team's closer this season.

Spring Training Daily: Chapman to Close?

Source: Rotoworld Baseball Articles

D.J. Short discusses Aroldis Chapman, Hanley Ramirez and more in Friday's Spring Training Daily.

Aroldis Chapman: Reds Says Closer Spot Still Undecided

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Aroldis Chapman: Contrary to prior reports, the Reds said they have not yet decided to name Chapman the closer, nor will they make any announcement Thursday, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Jocketty says no decision on Chapman's role - Aroldis Chapman | CIN

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Reds GM Walt Jocketty said Thursday that no decision has been made on Aroldis Chapman's role for 2013.

Aroldis Chapman: Expected To Be Named Closer

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Aroldis Chapman: The Reds are expected to announce Thursday that Chapman will close in 2013, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Reds moving Aroldis Chapman back to bullpen - Aroldis Chapman | CIN

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

According to Paul Daugherty of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Aroldis Chapman will be moved back to the bullpen.

Report: Reds moving Chapman back to 'pen - Aroldis Chapman | CIN

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

According to Paul Daugherty of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Aroldis Chapman will be moved back to the bullpen.

Fantasy Baseball 2013: Starting Pitcher Primer

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

If your fantasy pitching staff seems unfinished at the conclusion of your draft, don't panic.

In nearly all leagues, a significant percentage of ownable pitching talent will go un-drafted. This is true for both starters and relievers. Every pitching category can be addressed in-season if you play in a standard fantasy format.

Last year, during the second half of the season, there was no more valuable pitcher in our game than Kris Medlen. He went 9-0 after the break, striking out 95 batters in 95.1 innings, walking just 14. His second-half fantasy ratios were straight from the Dead Ball era: 0.94 ERA,

Cubano With A Toasted Role

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Now Aroldis Chapman says he wants to be the closer. Hahahahahahaha... Wait, why are you putting me in this room with padded walls? No, the Reds haven't driven me crazy. I'm wearing a potato sack because the fabric breathes. Dusty's the crazy one, not me. What is that powdery substance you're stirring into my Jamba Juice? I saw you... I feel drowsy... Jack, I just want to see what's in the hatch... ....Whoa, just had the weirdest dream. I dreamt that not only did Dusty say he wanted Aroldis as the closer, but that Aroldis was saying it too. All of that came after they signed Broxton to close games, with Sean Marshall and Jose Arredondo setting him up. Wait, why am I still wearing a potato sack? It's true?!

Aroldis Chapman: Closer or Starter?

Source: Fake Teams by Ray Guilfoyle

One of the biggest questions fantasy owners have this offseason is whether or not Cliff Pennington is going to be the Diamondbacks starting shortstop this season. Ok. Not really. The one big question that we will soon have the answer on is whether Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman will be in the Reds rotation or will return to the closer role.

Earlier this offseason, Reds GM Walt Jocketty hinted, then confirmed, that he would like to move his prize flamethrower

Reds' Chapman: 'I would like to be a closer' - Aroldis Chapman | CIN

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Aroldis Chapman said Saturday that he "would like to be a closer."

Aroldis Chapman: Says He Wants To Be Closer

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Aroldis Chapman: Chapman said Saturday that he would like to be a closer, but added that it's "not in [his] hands," John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

The Fantasy Freak Show Podcast: Reggie the Lion, Baker’s bungle and Big Al

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

On Tuesday, the lid popped off on NFL Free Agency. Almost immediately, snakes of all shapes, sizes and skill levels sprang out. Wes Welker, Reggie Bush, Steven Jackson and Mike Wallace were just a few brand names that changed addresses. Elsewhere, Ahmad Bradshaw, Greg Jennings and Fred Davis continue to wait patiently in the green room.

On this week's gripping program, Andy Behrens and Brad Evans spun the March mayhem from a fantasy prospective. Is Reggie a legitimate RB1? What about S-Jax? Can Amendola avoid the injury imp and snare 100 passes? Where will Bradshaw finally plant roots?

Meanwhile in

Freak Show Friday: Breaking down the free agent frenzy at 8 PM ET, 5 PM PT

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

On Tuesday, the lid popped off on NFL Free Agency. Almost immediately, snakes of all shapes, sizes and skill levels sprang out. Wes Welker, Reggie Bush, Steven Jackson and Mike Wallace were just a few brand names that changed addresses. Elsewhere, Ahmad Bradshaw, Greg Jennings and Fred Davis continue to wait patiently in the green room.

On this week's gripping program, Andy Behrens and Brad Evans will spin the March mayhem from a fantasy prospective. Is Reggie a legitimate RB1? What about S-Jax? Can Amendola avoid the injury imp and snare 100 passes? Where will Bradshaw finally plant

Spring Training Daily: Uncertainty Over Aroldis

Source: Rotoworld Baseball Articles

D.J. Short discusses Aroldis Chapman, Jedd Gyorko and more in Thursday's Spring Training Daily.

Cincinnati Shuffle: What will the Reds do with Aroldis Chapman?

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

We might be smack dab in the middle of spring training, but the Reds are in no major hurry with their pitching plans. Aroldis Chapman, Jonathan Broxton and Mike Leake owners? They'll have to keep waiting, too.

[Baseball 2013 from Yahoo! Fantasy Sports: Join a league today!]

Okay, Dusty Baker is trying to push this along (and so is Les Nessman). We've got that going for us. Here's what the skipper

Dusty Baker wants decision on Chapman soon - Aroldis Chapman | CIN

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Reds manager Dusty Baker said Wednesday that he wants a decision on Aroldis Chapman's role in the next week or so.

Spring Training Thoughts: Robinson Cano, Aroldis Chapman, Matt Kemp, and Others

Source: Fake Teams by Ray Guilfoyle

There might be some out there who think moving Aroldis Chapman to the rotation is not a wise decision by the Reds, and manager Dusty Baker has already come out saying, or implying, that he prefers Chapman in the pen, and who could blame him. Outside of Craig Kimbrel, Chapman is probably the second best closer in the game. But, I think he will be just fine in the rotation. He pitched well in spring training last season, and made his spring debut yesterday, throwing two scoreless innings. According to MLB.com, Chapman used four

Chapman spins two perfect innings Thursday - Aroldis Chapman | CIN

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Aroldis Chapman tossed two perfect innings Thursday against the Rockies in his first Cactus League start.

Mostly MLB Notes: Debating 1st round decisions, hyping Cliff Lee and defending my LABR team

Source: Roto Arcade by Dalton Del Don

There are a handful of outfielders worthy of being taken in the first round even after Mike Trout and Ryan Braun are off the board, all of whom should be valued similarly. I’m personally taking Matt Kemp first in this tier, as he’s one season removed from a .324-39-115-126-40 campaign and finished April with 12 homers and a .417/.490/.893 line over 23 games last year. But injuries derailed the rest of his season and coming off serious shoulder surgery that repaired a detached labrum and rotator cuff damage, he’s certainly not without risk. Andrew McCutchen is likely off the board next in most leagues, and it’s tough to argue after he posted a

Pressing Questions: The Cincinnati Reds

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

Cincinnati has claimed the N.L. Central flag in two of the past three seasons, winning 97 games last year, and this team has to be considered the favorite to take the division title in 2013. Last year's pitching staff was outstanding, ranking fourth in MLB in team ERA (3.34), third in WHIP (1.23) and fourth in quality starts (98) — crazy numbers when you consider the fact that Great American Ball Park is among the most hitter-friendly (and power-friendly) environments in baseball.

The Reds have added Shin-Soo Choo to the lineup this season, presumably in the lead-off spot, giving the team a table-setter with respectable speed, pop, and on-base skills (.381 career OBP). Choo will be followed in the batting order by

Burning Fantasy Baseball Questions: Cincinnati Reds (with video)

Source: KFFL.com MLB

Inquiry 1A, 1B and 2: Aroldis Chapman, starting pitcher? Plus, a look at the rest of the rotation and two surprising sticks from 2012.

2013 FSTA LEAGUE

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

In 2011 I was the FSTA Champion even though I selected Carl Crawford in the first round (he appeared in just 130 games hitting .255 with 65 runs and 18 steals in his worst season of more than 100 games played.). In 2012 I had another first round selection fail to live up to expectations as

The Great Unknown: Aroldis Chapman's starting gig

Source: KFFL.com MLB

Aroldis Chapman was one of the most dominant relievers last year or in any season, but can he sustain that in a move to the starting rotation?

Just Say No to Carlos Marmol

Source: Fake Teams by Alex Kantecki

Aroldis Chapman dominated in 2012, picking up 38 saves in 43 chances and striking out 122 batters in 71.2 innings, or 15.32 K/9. In 2010, Carlos Marmol did a similar thing, picking up 38 saves in 43 chances and striking out 138 in 77.2 innings, or 15.99 K/9. It's hard to remember now, and it sounds silly, but Marmol was once as dominating as Chapman.

Well, almost.

Marmol tends to get a little wild, and by a little, I mean a lot. Even in his best year in 2010, Marmol issued 52 free passes in 77.2 innings, or 6.03 BB/9 -- which also happens to be his career walk rate. And in 2012 it was

Fake Teams 2013 Consensus Reliever Rankings: Top 20

Source: Fake Teams by Ray Guilfoyle

Bret Sayre opened Reliever week here at Fake Teams with his State of the Reliever Position earlier this morning. Later today and into this week, we will bring you rankings, player profiles, and more. But today, I provide you with our Top 20 Relievers for 2013. Our #1 Reliever is a no brainer as Braves closer Craig Kimbrel is the hands down best closer in the game, especially with Aroldis Chapman headed to the starting rotation in Cincinnati.

Is it me or is the list of closers thinner than in years past. There are questions

What To Do With Aroldis Chapman

Source: Fake Teams by bretsayre

*The following post originally ran on November 30, 2012 at The Dynasty Guru. Check it out for more specific keeper/dynasty league content.

Those of you who drafted Chapman for this season, took him hoping that he would make the rotation out of spring training. He certainly looked the part – with a 2.12 ERA, 18 K and 2 BB in 17 innings. Yes, they are spring stats, but with Chapman, it was all that we had (other than a handful of starts at Triple-A back in 2010) – and the scouting reports were positive.

We all know what happened from there. Chapman ended up getting bumped from the rotation in favor of

Aroldis Chapman: Starting Assignment on Tap?

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Aroldis Chapman: Reds GM Walt Jocketty said Wednesday that Chapman was told to prepare as a starter, but there's still a chance he starts the season in the bullpen, Jim Bowden of ESPN.com reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

A Role Dis Chapman Was Born To Play

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

There’s rumblings that Aroldis Chapman will be in the rotation.  This isn’t the first time we’ve heard this.  In fact, I think every year since Aroldis costumed himself as a giant cigar and smuggled himself in a humidor out of Cuba, there’s been rumblings that he will be in the rotation.  Just yesterday, I ran into a man who had been in a coma since 2010 and he asked how Aroldis has been doing in the rotation. From my mouth to Giancarlo’s ears, it happened.   Only thing different now is the Reds have to realize they’re a bunch of Mr. Bungles if they leave Chapman as the closer, and they have Broxton to take over the role.  Broxton is not the closer Aroldis is/was/would be, but he is/was/will be good

Contracts & Free Agents

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Breaking up the monotony of my daily fantasy baseball Player Profiles, I thought it would be a good thing to take a look around the league at some of the players who have signed deals or who are looking for a new home for the 2013 baseball season.

Jonathan Broxton received a 3-year deal, with a club option ($9 million), for $21 million to stay with the Reds. This means two things. Aroldis Chapman is headed to the starting

Aroldis Chapman told to prepare as a starter - Aroldis Chapman | CIN

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said Wednesday that the team has told Aroldis Chapman to prepare to be a starting pitcher.

Aroldis Chapman: Reds' Broxton Interest Signals Move To Rotation

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Aroldis Chapman: With the Reds in "serious talks" with free agent Jonathan Broxton on a three-year contract, it could signal that the team is preparing to move Chapman to the rotation next season, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Aroldis Chapman: Move To Rotation Possible In 2013

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Aroldis Chapman: The Reds haven't made a decision on whether to keep Chapman at closer or deploy him in the team's rotation next season, the team's official website reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.