Aroldis Chapman hits 103 mph in big league debut

Chapman too fast for some

Cincinnati relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman was arrested for speeding and driving with a suspended license early Monday, a few hours after it appeared he was in line to become the Reds' next closer. Police in the Columbus suburb of Grove City emailed The Associated Press a copy of an arrest report showing the 24-year-old was stopped after radar clocked him going 93 mph on northbound Interstate 71 shortly before 1 a.m. on Monday. That was a few hours after Chapman moved to the front of the competition for the closer's job by finishing a 5-2 win over the Yankees at New York on Sunday for his first save of the season and the second of his career. "I don't know what happened," manager Dusty Baker said after meeting with Chapman. "He got a speeding ticket. It can happen to anybody. His people are taking care of it, and we're helping."

Analysis: Chapman's arrest is the latest twist in the Reds' attempt to find someone to take the spot of closer Ryan Madson, who is out for the season with a torn elbow ligament. Cincinnati gave Sean Marshall the first chance, but he struggled, prompting Baker to try the hard-throwing Chapman, who has not permitted an earned run in 22 1/3 innings. "It's going to be a situation where we're going to have to use who we think is best on that day, and hopefully he's rested and the best guy for that day," Baker said. ''It could be a number of guys. This is what happens when you lose your closer." While Chapman appears to be the primary option in the ninth inning, Fantasy owners should be aware that Marshall and Jose Arredondo could hover around the position as well. Still, Chapman should be considered a strong Fantasy option in all formats for now.

Aroldis Chapman arrested after police clock him going 93 mph (in his car) on suspended license

As his lawyers no doubt will argue at trial next month, the speed at which police clocked Aroldis Chapman traveling in his Mercedes early Monday is not what matters. Any Major League Baseball player can drive 93 mph. It's all about control.

At least that's the story his defense (attorneys Franklin and Bash?) ought to be preparing after the Cincinnati Reds' would-be closer was arrested in Grove City, Ohio for driving on a suspended license with a citation for speeding. WLTW reports that:

Chapman, 24, was pulled over after he was recorded speeding in a black 2010 Mercedes S63 on Interstate 71 North near Interstate 270 about 12:42 a.m. Monday

Reports: Reds' Chapman pulled over for driving 93 mph

Reds reliever Aroldis Chapman was arrested early Monday after he was stopped for driving 93 mph in Grove City, Ohio, according to police, multiple media outlets reported.