Aroldis Chapman Ties Jonathan Paplebon For Career Saves Thrived From Manager's Decision

 

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Dateline: Cincinnati

Aroldis Chapman started his career with the Reds in 2010. There was a debate between general manager Walt Jocketty and manager Dusty Baker about whether Chapman should be a starter or closer. On Thursday's opening day game, Chapman tied former Boston Red Sox closer, Jonathan Papelbon for 11th on the all-time saves list with 368 saves.

Ironically it came against the team he started with in 3-0 win in the same ballpark.

Papelbon experienced the same decision between manager Terry Francona and general manager Theo Epstein with the 2005 Boston Red Sox.

"Oh man. Me and Theo went at it one spring. I just felt he was a two-pitch pitcher, fastball, split. He tried to have a slider. It wasn't there. I thought he was a five-inning pitcher because he's have to work to with the foul balls. I think we made the right decision. He was really good in that role."

Papelbon made three starts, all in 2005. He made 686 relief appearances with 585 games finished and a 2.44 ERA in his 12-year career. He was an all-start six times.

Chapman has pitched in 864 games, all in relief and finished 564, including Thursday's win. He has a 2.52 ERA in his still active 17-year career. He was an all-star seven times, finished eighth in the Cy Young voting and received 12 Most Valuable Player votes in 2012.

"My guess is if Chapman would have started, he'd have been pretty damn good. He's a great athlete," Francona said.

"The first three years that I was here (Cincinnati) I went into spring training as a starter but I didn't know what was going to happen," Chapman said. "I liked starting but after I started pitching in the bullpen, I didn't want to go back try to be a starter. I'm happy for what I'm doing and I'm happy with the career that I have. I'm happy with what I've been able to accomplish."

The decision was the right one for both players.