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Baltimore Orioles: The Aroldis Chapman effect

By Domenic A. Vadala

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How will the Baltimore Orioles be effected by Aroldis Chapman in NY?

The Baltimore Orioles and the baseball world were caught somewhat off guard yesterday when New York and Cincinnatti combined in a trade. Four minor leaguers were sent to the Reds, in exchange for star closer Aroldis Chapman heading to New York to wear pinstripes. So how does this effect the O’s?

Courtesy of Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

One might look at this from the outset and say that it hurts them. The fact is that NY’s ‘pen, which was already good, just got much better. However I would submit that there’s little to any difference in the NY Yankees of 2016 and the 2015 team. While they were right in the mix until the end (much like the O’s), they also have an aging lineup.

This is not to say that they can’t compete, because they proved in 2015 that they could. However can veterans like ARod and Texeiria continually be expected to produce seasons like they did in 2015? Is it truly realistic for New York to expect the lineup that they’re looking to field in 2016 to produce runs en masse?

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    • The answer of course is no. The 2015 NY Yankees had an element of living on a prayer about them. Now granted they do seem to invigorate older players to play like they’re in their early 30’s there, however it’s unrealistic to make that an expectation. Father time is undefeated.

    So the point is that while the back end of their bullpen has suddenly gone from good to great, how much an effect it has on their season remains to be seen. I would argue that it won’t make too much of a difference. Odds are they won’t lose too many games in walk off fashion when leading in the ninth, and perhaps that’s part of their goal.

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    They paid a hefty price for Chapman also, which in theory is good for the other teas in the division. They won’t be in as good a spot to make a deal in the middle of the season if necessary. Time will tell.

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