Sox, others get fast look at Chapman

Half the teams in Major League Baseball, including the Red Sox, had representatives in Houston yesterday to get a close look at 21-year-old Cuban lefthander Aroldis Chapman.The free agent pitcher threw two five-minute sessions off a mound at the Baseball USA complex. His fastball was at 92-94 miles per hour and topped out at 97, according to a scout in attendance. Chapman also showed a slider and changeup.Two general managers - Mike Rizzo of the Nationals and Ed Wade of the Astros - attended. The Angels, Cubs, Mariners, Marlins, Mets, Orioles, Phillies, Pirates, Rangers, Royals, Reds, and Yankees also were on hand. International scouting director Craig Shipley watched for the Sox.“That kind of arm is hard to find from the left side,’’ Mets scout David Lakey told MLB.com.The Red Sox have shown interest in Chapman since he defected from Cuba during the summer and met with him at Fenway Park in October. Chapman is expected to command a contract worth at least $15 million. Most evaluators believe he will need some time in the minors to sharpen the command of his breaking pitches.The 6-foot-4-inch Chapman has had little experience since pitching 6 1/3 innings for Cuba in the World Baseball Classic last March. His fastball peaked at 100 during the tournament, but Chapman allowed four runs on six hits, walking four and striking out eight.“I think it’s important that he demonstrated that he’s ready, that he’s in shape, that he’s throwing free and easy, and that’s what he did,’’ agent Randy Hendricks told reporters at the workout.“A lot of life on his pitches, threw real well. Not all-out, which is what we told the teams he would not do, but sufficient, I think, to let everybody know he’s ready for prime time.’’Several teams met individually with Chapman afterward. Hendricks does not plan any more showcases, and is hopeful Chapman will be signed by January.Later in the day, Chapman’s original agent filed suit in Massachusetts state court against Hendricks Sports Management, alleging illegal interference with the player, which caused him to change agents last month.Edwin Mejia, who started a small agency in Boston in 2006, helped Chapman establish legal residency and gain free agency after he defected. Mejia is seeking to recover his expenses, the commission from the expected signing, and damages.Hendricks said last week that it was Chapman who approached his firm. Hendricks and his brother, Alan, also represent Angels first baseman Kendry Morales, another Cuban defector.Peter Abraham can be reached at pabraham@globe.com.