On Monday, the Reds hurler received a promotion, as he was tapped to become the team's new closer. The move also fell on the day that he was arrested for driving on a suspended license with a citation for speeding.
The roller-coaster stretch continued when he was sued on Tuesday for being responsible for a man's imprisonment in his native Cuba. A day later, he recorded his second straight save for Cincinnati.
Judging by this week –– and similar hiccups during his career –– Chapman is headed toward the path of a massive talent and a massive headache. It's a little reminiscent of the baggage that Manny Ramirez used to bring.
Given Chapman's talent, it's unfortunate that his off-the-field issues are taking precedence over his production. Through 20 appearances this season, the 24-year-old phenom hasn't surrendered a single earned run.
When called upon, he's pitched clean and effective innings. Chapman has also been a strikeout machine in his appearances out of the bullpen, fanning 43 batters in 24 1/3 innings.
As impressive as Chapman has been, he's still hurting his brand with his antics, starting with his license plate on his Lamborghini that reads 105 MPH –– referencing the fact that he's hit 105 miles per hour on the radar gun.
Like his blazing pitches, Chapman has blazed the streets in his car, earning him four speeding tickets in the past two years. This past week, the reliever was pulled over for driving 93 mph in Ohio.
And it was the second time in the past 11 months that Chapman had his driver's license suspended. In addition to his lawsuit, he's also battling another complaint from the first agent that represented him.
For his sake, Chapman needs to get his priorities straightened out. He's currently on pace to qualify for his first All-Star Game appearance and, in the process, he will be one of the lone ambassadors for the Reds organization.
If Chapman earns the nod, he needs to represent them the right way. He can't allow his other antics to overshadow his phenomenal talent.
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