Cubs add Chapman for Torres, et al. imb wishes we paid more

[BigSlick]

Keep Rondon at Closer, both because it doesn't matter that much and I don't want to give him the sads over moving him from closer for a dude that is only going to be here for 2 months and I'd rather Chapman be the fireman that comes in and get you out of jams

 

Now you got two of those dude with Strop and Chapman, which is nice

[minnesotacubsfan]

I love how I keep hearing how big of a haul this is for the Yankees and what it means for other trades, but what they all fail to mention is that it was a whole bunch of suck along with Torres

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=63UlBsdElsY

[Gmoney08]

I'm not really sold that we actually have a 94 percent chance of winning the division, I'm not trying to be an anti stats guy at all, I'm far from it but I don't see a 7.5 game lead as insurmountable at all and I've seen too much crazy [expletive] in sports to think we got it figured out statistically so I'm okay with improving our team to even win the division.

 

Well just think it through here. Its not insurmountable.

 

Being down 7.5 games when the schedule is almost into august, isn't insurmountable. But the team up 7.5, and 8 games in the loss column will finish it off 9 times out of 10 is my guess (entirely guesstimating). Maybe its 8.5 out of 10 if the teams are equal.

 

If the team that is up 8 games in the loss column is actually inferior to the team that is down 8 games (because of craziness or baseball, injuries, etc) then the inferior team probably still wins the division 70% of the time because they were spotted an 8 game lead with two months to play.

 

If the team that is up 8 games in the loss column is the better team (which i'd say the Cubs are definitely better than the Cardinals & Pirates by a decent amount). Then the odds of them finishing the division off are closer to 95% or more.

 

 

 

My guess is there are greater odds that the Cubs end up +16 games on the Cardinals than the Cardinals actually winning the division.

[Andy]

Keep Rondon at Closer, both because it doesn't matter that much and I don't want to give him the sads over moving him from closer for a dude that is only going to be here for 2 months and I'd rather Chapman be the fireman that comes in and get you out of jams

 

Now you got two of those dude with Strop and Chapman, which is nice

What I would love is for Joe to announce in the media that he's not designating a closer, we have several awesome relievers at the back end and he wants them all available in big spots depending on situation. Probably a pipe dream but that would be cool.

[Cubbie Swagger]

Why is it such a bonus that we don't have to face Chapman in the playoffs, but meanwhile it doesn't really make much difference that he's pitching for us now? Now our opponents have to face him, and we are the direct beneficiaries.

 

And yeah, I am aware that your closer doesn't make much difference in a blowout. That doesn't mean we should just plan for blowouts.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Why is it such a bonus that we don't have to face Chapman in the playoffs, but meanwhile it doesn't really make much difference that he's pitching for us now? Now our opponents have to face him, and we are the direct beneficiaries.

 

And yeah, I am aware that your closer doesn't make much difference in a blowout. That doesn't mean we should just plan for blowouts.

what in the fresh horsefeathers are you rambling on about now?

[CubinNY]

I loved Big Z and he was a horse's ass. I can't yet get on board with Chapman, though. It doesn't matter who they gave up. I'm trying to rationalize to get on board. There is probably one or two other guys (and probably more) that I wouldn't care to have a beer with, so I guess I can add Chapman to the list. But it really does go beyond a Lackey situation, so yeah, it's going to take a while. Edited July 25, 2016 by CubinNY

[Cubbie Swagger]

Why is it such a bonus that we don't have to face Chapman in the playoffs, but meanwhile it doesn't really make much difference that he's pitching for us now? Now our opponents have to face him, and we are the direct beneficiaries.

 

And yeah, I am aware that your closer doesn't make much difference in a blowout. That doesn't mean we should just plan for blowouts.

what in the fresh [expletive] are you rambling on about now?

I'm responding to the posts where people are saying that having Chapman doesn't really move the needle much as far as our playoff chances, while simultaneously saying it's great that we don't have to face him in the playoffs.

[BigbadB]

Keep Rondon at Closer, both because it doesn't matter that much and I don't want to give him the sads over moving him from closer for a dude that is only going to be here for 2 months and I'd rather Chapman be the fireman that comes in and get you out of jams

 

Now you got two of those dude with Strop and Chapman, which is nice

What I would love is for Joe to announce in the media that he's not designating a closer, we have several awesome relievers at the back end and he wants them all available in big spots depending on situation. Probably a pipe dream but that would be cool.

 

Not having that extension might prevent that, also. If they want an extension, they will probably need to feed Chapman's ego and give him all of the saves. Or if they can work out an extension when he gets into town, then maybe Maddon will be able to use the bullpen the way he truly wants to.

[David]

I'm going to get [expletive] for this, but I don't care. This doesn't look like a woman who was beaten or choked, I'm sorry. Something obviously happened and that sucks. But maybe just maybe some people gotta tone down the rhetoric.

 

You might not be wrong, but I don't think it particularly matters. Chapman is not a good guy, this is the worst but not the only data point in that regard. He put his hands around the woman's neck as part of an argument, shot a gun in frustration, and (this might be a previous incident) hurt his hand punching a car window. Anyone not comfortable or happy with him on the team because of it is not unjustified, especially given the culture around domestic violence and extra especially with celebrities/athletes. It doesn't mean that's the one true interpretation, but debating the minutiae of that incident is not a winning argument, because even if you're right the people upset are still not wrong.

 

I'm now remembering some crazy ESPN magazine article or something talking about how insanely strange his day to day life is in the offseason. Does anyone remember what I'm talking about?

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Why is it such a bonus that we don't have to face Chapman in the playoffs, but meanwhile it doesn't really make much difference that he's pitching for us now? Now our opponents have to face him, and we are the direct beneficiaries.

 

And yeah, I am aware that your closer doesn't make much difference in a blowout. That doesn't mean we should just plan for blowouts.

what in the fresh [expletive] are you rambling on about now?

I'm responding to the posts where people are saying that having Chapman doesn't really move the needle much as far as our playoff chances, while simultaneously saying it's great that we don't have to face him in the playoffs.

http://media1.giphy.com/media/7blHuOrBY2Aj6/giphy.gif

[squally1313]

FWIW

 

[tweet]

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[Cubswin11]

I'm going to get [expletive] for this, but I don't care. This doesn't look like a woman who was beaten or choked, I'm sorry. Something obviously happened and that sucks. But maybe just maybe some people gotta tone down the rhetoric.

 

You might not be wrong, but I don't think it particularly matters. Chapman is not a good guy, this is the worst but not the only data point in that regard. He put his hands around the woman's neck as part of an argument, shot a gun in frustration, and (this might be a previous incident) hurt his hand punching a car window. Anyone not comfortable or happy with him on the team because of it is not unjustified, especially given the culture around domestic violence and extra especially with celebrities/athletes. It doesn't mean that's the one true interpretation, but debating the minutiae of that incident is not a winning argument, because even if you're right the people upset are still not wrong.

 

I'm now remembering some crazy ESPN magazine article or something talking about how insanely strange his day to day life is in the offseason. Does anyone remember what I'm talking about?

I remember that from a few years back. It was either an article or like E60 thing. He basically like just sits around his house all day that like him and 7 of his family members live in, in Florida and he smokes a horsefeathers load of cigs

[imb]

I'm going to get [expletive] for this, but I don't care. This doesn't look like a woman who was beaten or choked, I'm sorry. Something obviously happened and that sucks. But maybe just maybe some people gotta tone down the rhetoric.

 

You might not be wrong, but I don't think it particularly matters. Chapman is not a good guy, this is the worst but not the only data point in that regard. He put his hands around the woman's neck as part of an argument, shot a gun in frustration, and (this might be a previous incident) hurt his hand punching a car window. Anyone not comfortable or happy with him on the team because of it is not unjustified, especially given the culture around domestic violence and extra especially with celebrities/athletes. It doesn't mean that's the one true interpretation, but debating the minutiae of that incident is not a winning argument, because even if you're right the people upset are still not wrong.

 

I'm now remembering some crazy ESPN magazine article or something talking about how insanely strange his day to day life is in the offseason. Does anyone remember what I'm talking about?

 

yeah it talked about how he was always smoking cigarettes and horsefeathers, it was really weird. it was basically like "good thing this dude is hella good at baseball" because america is such a culture shock from his hardscrabble cuban upbringing that he basically just hid in his apartment all day

[Tim]

Those of you slitting your wrists over losing Torres....you realize the Yankees will be ecstatic if he ends up being as good as Javy Baez...OUR SECOND BEST SHORTSTOP.

 

:flythew: :flythew: :flythew:

 

 

This effects 3 innings, 7-8-9

four innings if you include Edwards/Montgomery

[David]

I'm a big NFL fan, I loved Sammy Sosa for a long time even though I'm pretty sure he did some crappy things, I rooted for Brandon Marshall, etc. I've come to terms, I guess, with the fact that I can compartmentalize my feelings about terrible dudes (and that there are probably a lot more that I don't even know a thing about) in sports. Hell, there are probably guys on this team who I would have huge differences with if I really knew them. This is obviously on the extreme end of that, but I guess I broke bad on this type of thing long ago. It sucks to have to compromise myself and my views this way but ultimately I root for my teams and the players are (slightly) secondary.

 

All else equal, I'd rather win with all good dudes who I like, but for the most part, especially when it comes to high end talent, I just do my best to look past it (and probably suppress any associated guilt).

[UMFan83]

https://twitter.com/CarrieMuskat/status/757661028339572736

 

Oh that makes it all better.

[Banedon]

FWIW

 

[tweet]

[/tweet]

 

That doesn't do anything for me. Aroldis did not take responsibility for his actions.

 

http://deadspin.com/aroldis-chapman-still-says-he-did-nothing-wrong-1775469754

 

“I didn’t do anything,” he said. “People are thinking that it’s something serious; I have not put my hands on anyone, didn’t put anyone in danger. Since I didn’t do anything like that, I’m not thinking about it. If I didn’t do anything, why should I think about it? That is in the past. Now, I’m thinking about more important things: my family, kids, my career.”

[Tim]

STATEMENTS FROM PITCHER AROLDIS CHAPMAN

AND CUBS CHAIRMAN TOM RICKETTS

Monday, July 25, 2016

 

 

 

CHICAGO – Upon the completion of today’s trade, pitcher Aroldis Chapman and Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts each issued the following statements.

 

In addition, Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein will be available this afternoon prior to the club’s game from U.S. Cellular Field, with Chapman available to media tomorrow (more details to follow).

 

LHP Aroldis Chapman (English)

 

“I want to thank the New York Yankees for trusting and supporting me, and I wish nothing but the best for the Yankees organization and my former teammates,” said Chapman. “I am excited about today’s trade and look forward to joining the Chicago Cubs and meeting my new teammates. It is a privilege to wear the Cubs uniform and to play for the fans of Chicago.

 

“As you know, earlier this year I accepted and served a 30-game suspension from Major League Baseball resulting from my actions of October 30, 2015. I regret that I did not exercise better judgment and for that I am truly sorry. Looking back, I feel I have learned from this matter and have grown as a person. My girlfriend and I have worked hard to strengthen our relationship, to raise our daughter together, and would appreciate the opportunity to move forward without revisiting an event we consider part of our past. Out of respect for my family, I will not comment any further on this matter.

 

“I cannot wait to take the mound at Wrigley Field and look forward to helping my teammates deliver a championship to Chicago.”

 

Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts

 

“Obviously, we are aware of the circumstances surrounding Aroldis Chapman's suspension earlier this season. We are also aware that he cooperated fully with the league investigation and takes responsibility for his actions.

 

“Today, prior to completing the trade, Theo, Jed and I spoke with Aroldis. I shared with him the high expectations we set for our players and staff both on and off the field. Aroldis indicated he is comfortable with meeting those expectations.

 

“Finally, my family, this team and Major League Baseball take the issue of domestic violence very seriously and support efforts to reduce domestic violence through education, awareness and intervention.”

 

LHP Aroldis Chapman (Spanish)

 

“Quiero agradecer a los Yankees de Nueva York por confiar y apoyarme, y deseo todo lo mejor para la organización y mis ex compañeros. Estoy muy emocionado con el cambio de hoy y con muchas ganas de unirse con mi nuevo equipo, los Cachorros de Chicago, y conocer a mis nuevos compañeros. Es un privilegio de ponerme el uniforme de los Cachorros y jugar para los fanaticos de Chicago.

 

“Como saben, al principio de este año acepté y cumpli una suspensión de 30 juegos de Grandes Ligas como resultado de mis acciones el día 30 de octubre de 2015. Como ya he indicado anteriormente definitivamente debería haber ejercido mejor juicio y por eso, me siento de verdad y profundamente arrepentido. Al analizar el pasado, siento que he aprendido de este asunto y he crecido como persona. Mi novia y yo hemos trabajado duro para fortalecer nuestra relación y para criar nuestra hija en conjunto y quisiera tomar esta oportunidad para continuar adelante sin tener que responder preguntas sobre un evento el cual consideramos en el pasado. Respetando a nuestra familia, no comentare mas sobre este asunto.

 

“Estoy ansioso de tomar la loma en Wrigley Field y ayudar a mis nuevos compañeros de equipo traer un campeonato a la ciudad de Chicago.”

[Ding Dong Johnson]

people always say that parents are the worst thing about youth sports. I put them at a tie with having to coach and pretend to be supportive of shitty kids. aroldis is that shitty kid.

[Tim]

CUBS ACQUIRE LHP AROLDIS CHAPMAN FROM NEW YORK

SEND INFIELDER GLEYBER TORRES, RIGHTHANDER ADAM WARREN,

AND OUTFIELDERS BILLY MCKINNEY AND RASHAD CRAWFORD TO THE YANKEES

Monday, July 25, 2016

 

 

 

CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today acquired left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman from the New York Yankees for infielder Gleyber Torres, right-handed pitcher Adam Warren, and outfielders Billy McKinney and Rashad Crawford. Chapman is expected to join the Cubs for tomorrow night’s game against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field.

 

Chapman, 28, is 3-0 with 20 saves and a 2.01 ERA (7 ER/31.1 IP) in 31 relief appearances with the Yankees this season. He has struck out 44 batters and walked only eight in 31.1 innings while pitching to a 0.89 WHIP. Chapman has limited foes to a .179 batting average, a .233 on-base percentage and a .286 slugging percentage, good for a .519 opponent OPS. Chapman joins the Cubs having not allowed a run in his last nine appearances, covering 11.1 innings, starting June 30, limiting opponents to a .367 OPS in that span.

 

The Holguin, Cuba native originally signed a six-year major league contract with the Cincinnati Reds in January of 2010 and was traded to the Yankees last December as the headliner of a five-player trade. He signed a one-year deal with the Yankees to avoid arbitration in his final season of eligibility in February. Chapman made his New York debut on May 9 after beginning the season serving a 30-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy.

 

Chapman has gone 22-20 with 166 saves and a 2.16 ERA (84 ER/350.1 IP) in 355 career appearances covering seven seasons with Cincinnati (2010-15) and New York (2016). The four-time N.L. All-Star (2012-15) has exceeded 30 saves in each of the last four seasons while his career 89.7 save percentage ranks second among all active pitchers with at least 175 opportunities.

 

Overall in his career, Chapman has pitched to a 1.00 WHIP while limiting opponents to a .157 batting average, a .265 on-base percentage and a .232 slugging percentage, good for a .497 opponent OPS, the second lowest career opponent OPS of any active relief pitcher. Chapman has limited left-handed hitters to a .123 batting average and righthanders to a .168 mark. He has struck out 590 batters in 350.1 innings pitched for an average of 15.16 strikeouts per nine innings, the best ratio of any active relief pitcher.

 

Torres, 19, is batting .275 (98-for-356) with 23 doubles, nine home runs and 47 RBI in 94 games with Single-A Myrtle Beach this season. He originally signed with the Cubs as a non-drafted free agent in 2013.

 

Warren, 28, went 3-2 with a 5.91 ERA (23 ER/35.0 IP) in 29 appearances, all but one in relief, with the Cubs this season. He was acquired by the Cubs from the Yankees for infielder Starlin Castro last December 8.

 

McKinney, 21, is batting .252 (75-for-298) with 12 doubles, one home run and 31 RBI in 88 games with Double-A Tennessee this season. He was acquired by the Cubs with infielder Addison Russell, righthander Dan Straily and cash from Oakland for righthanders Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel on July 5, 2014.

 

Crawford, 22, is batting .255 (84-for-329) with 18 doubles, three home runs and 30 RBI in 83 games with Myrtle Beach this season. He was originally selected by the Cubs in the 11th round of the 2012 Draft.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

and tomorrow's press release will hopefully be on designating Clayton Richard for assignment

[Andy]

I'm a big NFL fan, I loved Sammy Sosa for a long time even though I'm pretty sure he did some crappy things, I rooted for Brandon Marshall, etc. I've come to terms, I guess, with the fact that I can compartmentalize my feelings about terrible dudes (and that there are probably a lot more that I don't even know a thing about) in sports. Hell, there are probably guys on this team who I would have huge differences with if I really knew them. This is obviously on the extreme end of that, but I guess I broke bad on this type of thing long ago. It sucks to have to compromise myself and my views this way but ultimately I root for my teams and the players are (slightly) secondary.

 

All else equal, I'd rather win with all good dudes who I like, but for the most part, especially when it comes to high end talent, I just do my best to look past it (and probably suppress any associated guilt).

I put a longish thing on Facebook this morning basically saying all of this. Well put. I'd love a team of 25 Rizzos, but no one has that, so you hold your nose and deal as best you can with the fact that sometimes you have to root for people who are very likely pieces of horsefeathers.

Edited July 25, 2016 by Andy

[Cubswin11]

Wasn't there also some weird story about him in Cincy that he got like robbed and tied up or something in a hotel room and like was missing for a day or two?

[Little Slide Rooter]

Look, the man said he was sorry, ok? So he got a bit frustrated, and took it out on his girlfriend's garage with an assault rifle, but I mean who here hasn't done that about a zillion times?