Quote Originally Posted by emk418 View Post
When was the last time we had a bullpen arm like Kimbrel? We never have. Smoltz was obviously dominant but he was old at the time with huge injury issues. I agree with not spending big on your bullpen but Kimbrel is the exception. We can save on the 6 other guys.
Kimbrel is special but it's just not smart to spend a lot of money on your bullpen or closer because relief pitchers are so fickle year to year. Look at home many teams have regretted handing out big money to closers. I would love to be like the Yankees and keep Kimbrel for his entire career because he is that special. I just don't see it happening with the budget the Braves operate with.