Hard-throwing pitcher Aroldis Chapman unquestionably played a huge role for the Chicago Cubs as they won their first World Series title in over a century, but apparently he wasn’t a huge fan with how he was used by manager Joe Maddon.
In his introductory press conference after re-signing with the New York Yankees this offseason, Chapman said that he didn’t agree with the way that Maddon utilized him during the postseason, but that he understood why his workload skyrocketed as the Cubs romped to the title.
"I think he was wrong in the way he used me," he said. "He abused a little bit on how much he made me pitch, and sometimes he made me pitch when I didn't need to pitch. But he's the manager. He knows his stuff."
Chapman, who became notorious for only wanting to pitch for one inning during the regular season, saw his workload shoot up during the playoffs. He threw 42 pitches in Game 5 of the World Series, which the Cubs won over the Cleveland Indians to draw to within 3-2 in the best-of-seven series.
That became an issue in Game 6 as Chapman came into the game to protect a five-run lead for the Cubs and to help force a Game 7 the next night in Cleveland.
By the time that contest rolled around, Chapman was clearly gassed, as his fastball never cracked 100 MPH and he gave up a game-tying home run to Rajai Davis in the eighth inning. Chapman was able to pitch a scoreless ninth inning before Mike Montgomery came in to finish things off in the 10th inning of the contest.
Even though he may not have agreed with his usage, Chapman did have a message for the Cubs and their fans as he prepared to be introduced by the Yankees:
Chicago Baseball
After acquiring him in a blockbuster trade before the July deadline, the Cubs allowed Chapman to leave in free agency, and he signed a huge contract worth $86 million over five seasons to go back to the Big Apple.
