Introduction
Craig Kimbrel is a name that would surely ring a bell in the ears of baseball fans. He is one of the hottest MLB closers who has been dominating the stat sheets and breaking records with his performances. A closer is a relief pitcher who comes in the game during the final inning when the game outcome is on the line. Kimbrel has been playing in the Major League Baseball (MLB) for a long time and is considered one of the best closers of his generation. In this blog post, we will discuss Craig Kimbrel, his background, records, and performances.
Who is Craig Kimbrel?
Craig Kimbrel is a professional baseball player who currently plays for the Chicago Cubs in the MLB. He was born on May 28, 1988, in Huntsville, Alabama. Kimbrel started playing baseball in his teenage years and eventually got drafted in the third round by the Atlanta Braves in the 2008 MLB draft. He rose to prominence in his debut season with the Braves in 2010, where he became a dominant closer for the team.
How has Craig Kimbrel performed in his career?
Craig Kimbrel has been a dominant force in the MLB since his debut. He has played for various teams such as the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs. Kimbrel has an impressive record of 358 career saves and a 2.05 earned run average (ERA). He also has a whopping 890 strikeouts in 532 innings pitched. Kimbrel has been named an MLB All-Star eight times and has won the National League (NL) Rookie of the Year award in 2011.
What makes Craig Kimbrel a great closer?
Craig Kimbrel’s pitching ability sets him apart from other closers. He has mastered the art of throwing a fastball, which is known to be one of the hardest throws in baseball. Kimbrel throws his fastball at an average speed of 97 miles per hour, making it challenging for batters to hit. He also throws a devastating breaking ball that makes it difficult for batters to anticipate his pitches. Kimbrel’s intense competitive nature and focus on the game allow him to perform at his best in clutch situations.
What records has Craig Kimbrel set in his career?
Craig Kimbrel has set and broken several records in his career. In 2011, he set the rookie saves record with 46 saves, breaking the previous record set by Neftali Feliz in 2010. Kimbrel has also recorded the most saves in a season by a pitcher in both the Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves franchises. In 2018, Kimbrel became the fastest player to reach 300 saves, doing so in just 494 games.
What are some of Craig Kimbrel’s notable performances?
Craig Kimbrel is known for his impressive performances in important games. In the 2018 World Series, he recorded four saves without giving up a run, helping the Boston Red Sox win the series. During the 2013 season, Kimbrel recorded a save in 37 straight appearances, breaking the record previously held by Tom Gordon. Kimbrel’s performances in clutch situations have earned him the nickname “Dirty Craig,” which is a testament to his ability to get the job done.
What are some of the criticisms against Craig Kimbrel?
Even though Craig Kimbrel is considered one of the best closers in the MLB, he has faced criticism for his performance in recent years. His fastball velocity has dropped, and his overall performance has declined slightly. This has led to him losing some of his dominance and becoming more vulnerable to batters. However, it is worth noting that even though Kimbrel may not be at his peak, he is still considered a quality closer by many baseball experts.
What is the future of Craig Kimbrel’s career?
Craig Kimbrel is still an active player in the MLB and has many years left in his career. He signed a three-year contract with the Chicago Cubs in 2019, which ends in 2022. Kimbrel’s future depends on several factors such as his performance, health, and contractual obligations. If he continues to perform at a high level, he is sure to be in high demand among MLB teams.
FAQs
Q1. How many saves does Craig Kimbrel have in his career?
A. Craig Kimbrel has 358 saves in his career.
Q2. What is Craig Kimbrel’s fastball speed?
A. Craig Kimbrel throws his fastball at an average speed of 97 miles per hour.
Q3. Has Craig Kimbrel won any awards during his career?
A. Yes, Craig Kimbrel has won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2011 and has been named an MLB All-Star eight times.
Q4. What record did Craig Kimbrel break in the 2018 season?
A. Craig Kimbrel became the fastest player to reach 300 saves, doing so in just 494 games.
Q5. What is Craig Kimbrel’s nickname in MLB?
A. Craig Kimbrel’s nickname in MLB is “Dirty Craig.”
Q6. What team did Craig Kimbrel play for during the 2018 World Series?
A. Craig Kimbrel played for the Boston Red Sox during the 2018 World Series.
Q7. What is the current status of Craig Kimbrel’s career?
A. Craig Kimbrel is still an active player in the MLB and currently plays for the Chicago Cubs.
Conclusion
Craig Kimbrel is undoubtedly one of the most dominant MLB closers of his generation. He has continued to break records, win awards, and perform exceptionally well in clutch situations. Kimbrel’s fastball, breaking ball, and focus on the game have made him a feared pitcher among batters. Even though he has faced some criticisms in recent years, Kimbrel is still considered a quality closer by many experts. Baseball fans can expect to see more great performances from Craig Kimbrel in the coming years, cementing his legacy as one of the best closers in MLB history.