Apparently, Aroldis Chapman hit 102 MPH on a scouts gun during today’s spring training game against the Royals.
UN. REAL.
UPDATE: Looks like the scout that reported the 102 was nowhere to be found, but it still stands that Aroldis was tossing gas today.
If there is anything that is on the same (or greater) nerdiness level for me as the Reds – it’s Pearl Jam. I’ve been a pretty big fan of them since Ten came out, and have stuck with them ever since. Heck, that’s why I was even in Philly this past fall while the World Series was going on. So, when this video surfaced today on Dan Hoard’s blog, I was a little more than giddy.
I remember when Eddie was was at GABP like it was yesterday. The thing is – he we there two nights. The Reds were playing the Cubs at the end of the season, and the Cubs were on the verge of clinching the division. To the contrary of Dan’s account that Pearl Jam was there for a concert, their 2003 tour was on break at the time. Eddie was there just on his own, probably to get a break from the tour and to watch his Cubbies clinch.
The video above shows Ed signing playing in the locker room on September 25, 2003. He also threw out the first pitch that night – in a Reds jersey. I know there was a Cincinnati.Com article about it at the time, but I can’t dig it up due to their paid archive policy.
Ed was also in attendance the night before – where the Cubs handed the Reds their asses 8-0. I was sitting with some friends out in the Sun/Moon deck that night and remember walking by the smoking section and seeing a dude that looked I thought looked like Ed. I did like 10 double-takes takes as I walked past, then headed back to my seat just wondering. After putting the pieces together – no tour at the time, Ed loves baseball, Ed loves the Cubs, Ed loves to smoke, Ed loves to wear green military jackets with buttons on them, Ed is pretty short… it hit me and I walked back over to see if he was still there… but no luck. Check out the second commenter on Dan’s blog post – pretty cool he got to meet Ed. I must say, I’m a little jealous.
To this day, any time the Cubs are in town and PJ is not on tour, I look for Ed. Maybe one day I’ll get to buy him a beer… or a helmet sundae at GABP.
I post CNATI’s video of Aroldis Champman’s first live batting practice session for two reasons:
1) ZOMG! Aroldis is a friggin’ beast! Holy crappa-ziodz! Hearing the reactions from Walt, Alonzo and others on his session and how good Alrodis stuff looks gets this Reds fan pretty jacked. Here’s some more vid from John Fay
2) The media ballgame has changed folks. The amount of information – data, video, photos coming out of spring training this year is unreal. You cannot keep up with it. Just for the Reds – between CNATI, The Fayanator, Mark Sheldon and Jamie Ramsey, there is so much media flying at you so fast, it’s hard to remember this is just THE FIRST WEEK OF CAMP. Two years ago (or even last year?) we would have never seen Aroldis’ bullpen session on video, much less within an hour of it happening. Getting instant reaction from players thru the media via Twitter is awesome.
Plus, we how else would we get such fine breaking news as Jonny Gomes’ mohawk? Seriously, we love it.
We’ll see how long the pace keeps up… but one thing is for sure, things in sports coverage have shifted in a big way – even from last season. Keep it up, guys.
Chapman vs:
- Chris Burke, Chris Heisey
- Chris Burke
- Yonder Alonso
Any more “Chapman vs:” video floating our there?
Hey Mr. Met! Download THIS!
ZOMG! That’s the cutest thing ever!!
- Actual Lady Quote
Really, check out these Star Wars MIMOBOTs and tell me they aren’t pretty cool? If Star Dubs isn’t your thing, how about Jack and his little sister, Meg? Killer. Let’s do this!
MLB Trade Rumors and ESPN are reporting that Willy Taveras and fan-favorite Adam Rosales have been traded to the Athletics for infielder Aaron Miles and a player to be named later.
Folks, the Willy Era is over.
In this photo, identify someone who likes the Reds...
Update: Here’s another angle of guy’s arm – that’s a whole lotta Pete! According to the Reds’ tweet, the Tattoo took over 80 hours!
Question: Anyone else out there got some Reds ink? Let’s see it! In the mean time, remember THIS? We never did get that Corey Patterson tat. Maybe a big Willy tattoo is in order.
Another question: If you were to get some Reds ink, what would you get?
A person familiar with the negotiations (speaking on condition of anonymity because the contract hadn’t been finalized) told the Associated Press Sunday that sought-after 22-year-old Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman has agreed to sign for $30 million with the Cincinnati Reds.
With a 100 mph fastball, he is considered by scouts to be among the top pitching prospects in the world!
Yahoo! Sports was believed to be the first to report it.
From their story:
The Reds had been “going after him like crazy,” according to one source, and outbid several other teams, including the Los Angeles Angels, Florida Marlins and Toronto Blue Jays.
The bidding increased from an initial $15.5 million offer from the Boston Red Sox in early December to the highest reported proposal of $23 million from Toronto a few days ago.
Chapman immediately becomes the top prospect in the Reds’ system and could join a dangerous young rotation if Edinson Volquez returns healthy from Tommy John surgery and Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey develop.
Where the 22-year-old Chapman begins the season – in the high minor leagues or in the Reds’ rotation – will likely depend on how he pitches in spring training. Scouts and executives who saw him at the Dec. 15 workout said Chapman has potential to be a No. 1 starter.
Wow.
Chapman threw a bullpen session for major league teams in Houston last month; supposedly he wasn’t throwing at full speed and still hit 97 mph!
Chapman caught the attention of many during the World Baseball Classic in March; he pitched well against Australia and poorly against Japan.
Obviously it’s a huge stunner from a team that was expected to trim their opening day payroll from $71 million last season. Plus I had heard Chapman wanted to play in a large market. Once you get over the complete disbelief, you have to wonder whether they’ll decline options for Harang and Arroyo, which would shed about $20 million.
OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG!
This Saturday, December 5th! Awesome! Can’t wait to see these jerseys!
More deats:
The Cyclones will play host to Florida Everblades. Puck drops at 7:30 – just in time to leave Redsfest when doors close at 7:00 and get down to US Bank Arena. The replica Reds jerseys the Cyclones will be sporting Saturday night will be auctioned off after the game with proceeds benefiting the Reds Community Fund. More info at www.cycloneshockey.com
So, is anyone out in OMGland a member of the Eric Davis Fan Club?
We first heard of the ED Fan Club (haha) last week leading up to the Civil Rights Game. It was mentioned in a couple of Reds PR releases the week before and announced at the game last Friday that he was going to be at the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum posing for photos with members of the fan club last Saturday, the morning of the Civil Right Game. Word on the street is that he didn’t actually show up – but that is unconfirmed.
The dudes here at OMGreds are big fans of Eric Davis (At least I think we all are? Are we?), just like most everyone else in the Redleg Nation. I mean, that catch in the ‘90 World Series was stuff of legend, right? So, ED having a fan club or whatever is pretty cool, really. But, have you seen the membership prices? Depending on what membership level you choose, you can pay up to $239.40 for a membership! Oh, and no, there is no $19.99 option for a mildly interested fan, the cheapest your going to get is 119.40. SAY WHAAAAT?
Seriously, who on earth is going to pay that? Yeah, you get a couple of signed items and periodic “interactive” emails but really, what on earth would get someone to pay that kind of money for an Eric Davis Fan Club Membership?
Okay, there is one really cool part of the Fan Club – You can have a “WebVersation” with Eric. Dude, just call him anytime – 555-555-5555. Do it, we dare ya.
ED – really… we love ya. But, don’t play us like this.
OMGreds Photoblog
