Aroldis Chapman draws Marlins interest

The Marlins sent Jim Fleming to Houston to observe Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman's bullpen session.  The Marlins weren't the only club in attendance, to say the least.

Fo(r)mer Cuban national team starting pitcher Aroldis Chapman threw a bullpen session on Tuesday in Houston in front of representatives from about half the major league teams.

In the morning at the Baseball USA complex, the left-hander tossed two separate five-minute side sessions, throwing mostly in the 92-93 mph range and topping out at 96 mph. Chapman, 21, also threw his slider and changeup.

mong the team representatives who attended wereHouston Astros general manager Ed Wade, Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo, Los Angeles Angelsscouting director Eddie Bane, Florida Marlins vice president of player development Jim Fleming, Pittsburgh Piratesinternational scouting director Rene Gayo, and Baltimore Orioles international scouting director John Stockstill, according to sources. The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, who are expected to be heavy bidders for Chapman, each had one area scout in attendance.

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According to sources, Boston is the only team known to have made an offer for Chapman, for $15.5 million. But that offer was made a few weeks ago to his former agent, Edwin Mejia.

Think of it as a bidding war for a free agent.  In other words, there ain't no stinking way Chapman is going to be a Marlin anytime soon.  But I'm glad Jim Fleming got a free trip to Houston.