Rizzo discusses trade rumors with Yankees |
Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo has heard the rumors that the Cubs have been interested in and scouting several different Yankees relievers including flame-thrower Aroldis Chapman.
"He throws 100 (Chapman), and he pretty much locates it (wherever)," Rizzo said to reporters on Monday. "And then if you happen to hit his fastball, he’ll start wrinkling in his slider or curveball. He knows how to pitch. The game’s over when he comes in." In 2016, Chapman has a 1.93 ERA with 11 saves, 21 strikeouts in 14 innings with a 1.00 WHIP. He was suspended for the first thirty games of the season due to an off-season personal conduct policy violation. For his career, he has a 2.16 ERA with 157 saves, 567 strikeouts, and a 1.02 WHIP. He also holds the major league record all-time for the fastest pitch at 105 MPH. Rizzo knows that just because the Cubs are doing their due diligence in scouting players does not mean that a deal will be forthcoming. "But I know enough now not to look at the rumors," Rizzo said. "I’m sure we have scouts (out) scouting a lot of other people, too. But since they’re looking at the Yankees, it’s news." Rizzo has faith in whatever direction that Theo Epstein will want to go with the roster moving forward. "That’s what he does,” Rizzo said about making roster moves. "I think we’ve put ourselves in a way better position this year than last year at the trade deadline to (address) whatever he thinks we need. Obviously, we’re really happy with our team now.
