Welcome back, Aroldis Chapman

95661-650-366

It’s been such a ‘blah’ feeling year for my Reds. They’re mired in mediocrity and nothing can seem to break it.

Devon Mesoraco was on fire and then he inevitably got injured with an ailment that could derail his breakout season. They have basically wasted the finest stretch of Johnny Cueto’s career – a stretch that is easily the most dominant I have seen a Reds pitcher perform in a decade. Jay Bruce hit the disabled list also, with a knee surgery that cropped up as necessary overnight. Homer Bailey has looked terrible on the heels of the huge contract. Brandon Phillips isn’t stealing any bags and is eroding offensively. The Reds lineup feels poorly constructed.

But quietly, the Reds aren’t dead yet. They’re getting back a guy who I believe has the chance to be a rallying cry. Aroldis Chapman was activated from the disabled list this this afternoon, and whether or not he pitches tonight he gives the Reds the edge that they need to turn this season around. He’s a dominant figure; as terrifying as anyone in the game when he’s hovering over a hitter on the mound in the ninth inning.

Some might say that Chapman is just a closer, nothing that can swing a season; but I would suggest in knowing the pulse of this Reds team, he’s a lot more to the franchise than just a guy who pitches an inning on some nights.

The time is now for the Reds. If ever they were going to make a break to make 2014 meaningful, it’s going to begin now.