Scout clocks Reds' pitching prospect Chapman at 105 mph

[HAMILROCK]

Hang onto your catcher's mitts, people. They reportedly clocked Cincinnati Reds prospect Aroldis Chapman(notes) at 105 mph Friday night.

No, not in a car, driving home from Louisville Slugger Ballpark. Chapman was pitching for the Triple-A Louisville Bats of the International League. And, Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse reports, the left-hander threw 105 mph.

One-oh-five.

Your first thought might be, "Yeah, right. Did he strike out the Loch Ness Monster on three pitches while he was at it?"

Price, who usually isn't given to hyperbole, tweeted the news.

Via @Ed_Price:

Aroldis Chapman tonight hit 105 mph and "sat at" 103, with a 90-91 slider. Scout: "best fastball I have ever witnessed"

Do I believe 105 mph? It seems pretty fantastic, doesn't it?

Hall of Famer Bob Feller, legend has it, once threw a ball 107.9 mph. Feller (right) probably would tell you he did it. But I think they timed him pitching against a speeding motorcycle. By the time the Army got involved clocking Feller after WWII, he was throwing about 99.

It's rare for any pitcher to reach 100 mph; Most top out in the low 90s. Perhaps 95 is considered "really fast" for a major leaguer.

Maybe the Chapman gun was a little hot. And yet, Price says a scout, along with the ballpark scoreboard — presumably using another radar device — had the same reading.

It wasn't a start; Chapman tossed an inning of perfect relief against the Columbus Clippers. Checking the box score, Chapman threw 16 pitches — including 11 strikes — and got three swinging strikeouts.

For one inning, a guy who has been clocked at 100 or 101 before could put a few extra feet on his fastball. It's possible.

The question is, do the Reds really want him to be throwing 105? The human arm isn't really meant to pitch at all, much less at those speeds. One of these days, Chapman's elbow is liable to fly off his arm doing 45.

Look where Washington Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg(notes) is right now.

Chapman is expected to join the major league pennant race come September. The Reds could use him, but only if he promises to keep it under 100.

[Dr. Jack]

Impressive

Hopefully for him he doesn't throw his arm out & end up on dl before a full year in majors

[Mendoza Line]

Reds' Pitching Prospect Throws 105 mph

[HAMILROCK]

Originally Posted by Mendoza Line

Reds' Pitching Prospect Throws 105 mph

sorry mendoza

[Mendoza Line]

no need to be sorry!

was just sayin'.

also, mine had the picture. again, just sayin'.

[Seanie Mac]

Kenny Powers > Aroldis Chapman

[Victor]

Originally Posted by Dr. Jack

Impressive

Hopefully for him he doesn't throw his arm out & end up on dl before a full year in majors

Was just going to say the same thing. I know they want to get to the Major League, but look what happen to Strasburg and pitchers before him.

[ksturg]

Have gone and watched him pitch a couple times this year here in Louisville, he throws a fireball. Problem is controlling it, been much better since they started bringing him out of the pen.

[LordCC]

He seems to be better coming out of the bullpen then he is being a starting pitcher. The way I look at it is, he can only help and not hurt the Reds chances.

[bigsportsguy2006]

threw 102 and 103 MPHs tonight in his first major league game ... averaged about 101 or 102 per fastball.

[LordCC]

That is some serious heat, I hope he can maintain it & give the Reds a real push at the end.

[JohnnyMapleLeaf]

90 mph changeup? lol

[secondbase]

another Bob Feller

[Seanie Mac]

he should just be converted to a closer

[capperdan]

any fantasy value in a yahoo category league

strikeouts will be good but, his whip may not be

thinking i add him anyway