The blockbuster
trade the Boston Red Sox made Friday, sending four prospects to the San
Diego Padres for All-Star closer Craig
Kimbrel, sent shockwaves through Red Sox Nation. While many welcomed the
bold move, some expressed fear
that the price tag was too exorbitant. While the true cost won’t be known for
years, the move should be celebrated for now given the huge injection of talent
it gives the team’s bullpen.
Here are a few thoughts about Kimbrel:
Some have indicated concern that 2015 was a career-worst
year for the right-hander. However, he finished with a 2.58 ERA and 39 saves in
43 chances; not to mention 87 strikeouts in 59.1 innings. Those are elite
numbers, folks. It’s not the 1.42 combined ERA he had the previous four+
seasons but it’s still darned good. If that’s a pitcher in decline, it’s still
much better than what Boston has had in recent seasons.
Kimbrel started 2015 with a 4.74 ERA in April and May. From
June on that number plummeted to 1.56, further debunking any theory that the
27-year-old is in any kind of definable decline.
I have never believed in the concept of pitching
to the score but if there is any possibility there may be a nugget of truth
behind it, Kimbrel might be the poster child. This past season he appeared in
18 non-save situations and racked up a 4.02 ERA with 25 strikeouts and an
uncharacteristic 15 walks in 15.2 innings. Those numbers completely reversed
themselves in 43 save situations, as he posted a 2.06 ERA, 62 strikeouts and
just six walks in 43.2 innings.
It seems Kimbrel still has elite stuff. FanGraphs
show his average fastball velocity of 97.3 MPH in 2015 was the highest of his
career.
His success has also not been a result of playing against potentially
weaker National League competition. In 45 career interleague games against
American League teams he has 28 saves, a 0.92 WHIP, 13.8 strikeouts/nine
innings and a 1.43 ERA.
Kimbrel has faced six New York Yankees batters in his
career. He has struck out five of them.
Interestingly, Kimbrel has appeared in 41 career games where
he was caught by former Boston catcher, David Ross.
In those 41 innings, he allowed just nine hits and no runs.
Stats via BaseballReference
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