Craig Kimbrel Could Be Even Better in 2012

In just his second Major League season, the 23 year-old has become the best closer in the National League.
This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. If you need to flag this entry as abusive, send us an email.

After posting a 0.44 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 2.50 K/BB in 20.6 innings last season, most people correctly assumed Craig Kimbrel would grab hold of the Atlanta Braves closer gig, and never let go. That has been more than the case in 2011. In just his second Major League season, the 23 year-old has become the best closer in the National League.

Kimbrel's 2.03 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 4.28 K/BB, and 45 Saves speak to that point perfectly. Even though the righty's control can be a little suspect at times (3.46 BB/9), his outstanding 14.81 K/9 more than makes up for the league-averague walk rate. Without a doubt, Kimbrel is a very dominant closer. However, as scary as it is to think, Kimbrel's special 2011 season might just be the tip of the iceberg.... click here to read the rest of this article.

The Beanball is a blog devoted to unearthing all-things baseball. For more "bench-clearing baseball analysis," follow @TheBeanball.

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot