Chicago Cubs Trade Paul Maholm and Reed Johnson to Atlanta Braves for Two Prospects
The Chicago Cubs made another trade this evening, sending left-handed pitcher Paul Maholm and outfielder Reed Johnson to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for a pair of pitching prospects: right-hander Arodys Vizcaino and right-hander Jaye Chapman. Let's take a look at what the Cubs picked up here.
Jaye Chapman, RHP: Chapman is a 6-0, 195 pound right-handed hitter and thrower, born May 22, 1987. He was a 16th round draft pick back in 2005, from high school in Panama City, Florida. He has been used almost exclusively as a reliever in the minors and is having a good year in Triple-A this season, posting a 3.52 ERA with a 60/29 K/BB ratio in 54 innings for Gwinnett, allowing 46 hits and collecting seven saves.
Chapman has usually been overshadowed by other pitchers in the system, but he's done well in the high minors and doesn't have much left to prove there. Chapman has the standard 90 MPH fastball and his breaking ball can be quite tough on right-handed hitters, though he needs another weapon to face lefties in the majors. He projects as a middle reliever or ROOGY type, but could help in the back of a bullpen.
Arodys Vizcaino, RHP: Vizcaino is a 6-0, 190 pound right-hander from Yaguate, Dominican Republic, born November 13, 1990. Originally signed by the New York Yankees, he came to Atlanta in the December 2009 Javier Vazquez trade.
Vizcaino has missed the entire 2012 season recovering from Tommy John surgery. When healthy, he features a mid-90s fastball and a plus curveball. He was making positive strides with his changeup before the injury, although scouts questioned his durability even before he got hurt, and it remains to be seen if he starts or relieves in the long run. He posted a 3.06 ERA with a 100/28 K/BB in 97 innings in Triple-A last year.
The success or failure of this trade will likely come down to Vizcaino. If he recovers properly from Tommy John, this is a good deal for the Cubs.
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