[More Cowbell]

If he even turns out to be a decent major league pitcher, the Reds got a bargain. Even though they gave him $30 million, I don't think it was a bad deal unless he is a complete bust.

Let's say that he spends the entire 2010 season in the minors working on his control, then joins the Reds' rotation in 2011. They will still have four years on the major league roster for that $30 million, which averages out to $7-8 million per year. These days, even a mediocre starter with a sub-.500 record will likely command $5 million per year. Harang and Arroyo will each earn over $12 million this coming season. If Chapman even pans out as a #3 starter, the Reds will have come out ahead.

Envision a young rotation in 2011 consisting of Volquez, Cueto, Chapman, Bailey, and last year's #1 pick Mike Leake. Looks pretty good to me. :Thumbs: