Craig Kimbrel: More of a WANT than a NEED
We discussed overreactions to the Phillies after just two series of play, including needing a true closer. When there is a big name out there that would guarantee improvements, though, is it really unnecessary?
The Phillies’ season got off to a euphoric start, finishing the opening two series with a 4-1 record, the Bryce Harper hype in full bloom, and the offense overpowering opposing pitchers. An offseason where the team added four All-Stars and solidified itself as a true MLB contender was no slouch, but the jury is still out on one position – relief pitching.
Gabe Kapler is working with a much better team in his second year as manager and through five games learned to trust his pitchers (and continues to say he trusts the incumbents to nail down the wins), but there’s so much to be said about the bullpen that can’t finish a game easily. As it stands, the best arms to lock it down are Hector Neris, Seranthony Dominguez, and David Robertson. After the walk-off loss in Washington on Wednesday, there is proof (in an albeit small sample) the Phillies were not completely out of the dust when it came late-inning pitching, despite the offseason acquisitions.
It’s not a time to panic yet, but one has to consider options like going back to the market where one big arm lingers. If still out there, why not take a stab at bringing in the guy who could be an immediate game-changer when paired with the no-doubt offense? Is it worth the wait for Robertson to pan out, or do the Phillies snag the one with 333 career saves?
Craig Kimbrel, 30, is somehow still in free agency and there aren’t signs of any offers coming his way… other than to join Boston’s championship celebration, that is. The Phillies could use Kimbrel to shore up the back of the bullpen, where Robertson has struggled mightily in his three appearances. Kimbrel is coming off a 2.74 ERA, 42-save season for the eventual World Series champion Boston Red Sox. He would be an immediate upgrade to the closer position, solidifying it with yet another player at the top of his position. And it really does make sense.
This team is built for a playoff run, the exact type of team that should seek a shutdown closer to finish games. The past few Phillies teams were fine with a closer-by-committee; they were nowhere near competitive enough to need a closer. The playoffs are a different animal, and having Kimbrel guarantees to shorten the game, especially with Harper and Rhys Hoskins in the middle of the lineup, and with Kapler’s ability to move his guys around the ‘pen. Moving Robertson and Seranthony into the 6-8th innings allows flexibility for Kapler, who would have more defensive weapons to play with, and alleviate the stress for his starters to pitch late into games. It’s not that simple, however, as Kimbrel is a strict one-inning closer and Kapler enjoys utilizing pitchers based on matchups. Furthermore, Kimbrel’s monetary demands would likely warrant management shelling out top dollar for his talent, especially if contenders continue faltering due to pitching.
Considered to be the Phillies’ most reliable bullpen option coming out of spring, Robertson is struggling early, pitching to an 18.00 ERA, and astounding 5.00 WHIP in two innings (three games). He was given the ball in a tie game on Wednesday to send it into extra innings. Instead, he would not record an out, load the bases and give up three walks, including the game-winner. It’s peculiar to say the least, given how well Robertson fared in his 12 years of success, much of it in New York. Some question if he’s hurt, or if he’s just not great anymore – both seem unrealistic. Robertson made minimal appearances in spring training (3.2 innings, four games), so it is likely a sense of needing to just iron out the kinks with more repetitions. Luckily, Kapler still trusts Robertson for now, believing his bullpen hasn’t played the best games yet.
“I saw our bullpen as a strength when we left spring training, and I see our bullpen as a strength now,” Kapler told the media. “I just don’t think we’ve had our best games yet as a ‘pen.”
Dominguez is a flamethrower that teams strive to incorporate into a consistent team, Robertson has a track record of success in a big city, Neris has been there before, and Pat Neshek is consistent in whichever inning he pitches. Only if they can all come together would it be killer. Kimbrel would nail down that win, provided the Phils get a lead entering the ninth.
Again, five games of 162 is an extremely small sample: there is 157 to play. However, it’s impossible to think that the addition of Kimbrel doesn’t immediately bring the team one more notch above the competition.
It’s something the team should heavily debate, especially given how long he’s been out of work. It’s not a move that must be done yet, but he certainly would help.
Photo: Flickr (via Keith Allison)
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