will chapman make the reds opening day roster?

I’m not convinced that his command is where it needs to be to excel as an MLB starter… yet.

I still would want him to work on a few things before I call him up, but he does look like a wise invesment by the Reds so far and could eventually be an ace or a closer. Either way I doubt he doesn’t at least make it to the majors.

But he’s making it really tough on them…

A lot of teams missed the boat on failing to not go after him. For every dollar my Orioles threw away, I wondered if it could have gone towards Chapman. Well at least Kevin Millwood is getting 9 million this year!

like he might be forcing himself into the rotation.

Apparently said he’s the Reds best pitcher right now. I’m probably in the minority, but come on — let the kid pitch.

They’re much better off sending him down for a month. They’re not contending this year, plus that way they can build it up into a big event for when he makes his pro debut, and it gives them one extra year of control.

His contract goes from a 5 year deal to a 3 year deal if he gets a 5 million dollar bonus essentially. He won’t be up before May. I’d let him dominate AA players before unleashing him in the majors.

But even if the Reds have a chance of contending, the outside maximum difference for sending him down for a month is a win. A one win difference isn’t worth losing him a year earlier when there’s a better shot they’ll be legitimately contending.