Boston Red Sox: Top Five Current Players

Craig Kimbrel

Craig Kimbrel is an amazing closer and one that is fun to watch. His best seasons have come with the Braves when he had four consecutive 40 save seasons. Since leaving Atlanta he hasn’t matched that mark but remains one of the most talented closers in the game.

This year injuries have derailed his season just a bit but, when he has been healthy he has looked like himself striking hitter’s out at a ridiculous rate and closing out games for the Red Sox.

Kimbrel has pitched 391.1 innings in his Major League career and in those innings has struck out 631 hitters.  The rate he strikes hitters out is unreal and aided by high velocity and movement that few back end bullpen arms are gifted with. The problem for Kimbrel will be opportunities as Boston seems to often win game by large margins. When he is given an opportunity however, the game is all but over.

While the importance of a close is debated throughout the Major Leagues few would argue with Kimbrel’s talent or what he can bring to a bullpen. He has brought stability to the late innings and if the Red Sox find themselves in a must win game will have a reliever who is not afraid to pitch with the game on the line.

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