I haven't checked the numbers but I can't imagine anyone more dominant, not even Smoltz.
I haven't checked the numbers but I can't imagine anyone more dominant, not even Smoltz.
I would take Smoltz because he was one of the greatest clutch pitchers of all time. Kimbrel is really not tested in the playoffs and he did blow game 162 in 2011 to seal to collapse. Its not really a knock on Kimbrel as it is a man crush on Smoltz.
Smoltz is awesome. No doubt.Originally Posted by cajunrevenge
I would tend to agree. Until Kimbrel can prove himself in a tight playoff series, Smoltz is still the man. I have no doubt Kimbrel can step up and do it in the playoffs, but he still has to prove it.
I love Smoltz but Kimbrel is incredible. I hope he does well in the playoffs this year as I expect he will given the opportunity.
Kimbrel also had a hand in blowing Game 3 of the 2010 NLDS.
But, I think so, yes.
This would've been a great DOTW by the way. Need to get folks to post this kind of stuff in the off season especially when the board hits a bit of a lul. Great question and I think he is. That is really saying something about Kimbrel as Smoltz had an amazing run as a closer. With that in mind Kimbrel is basically John Rocker without any of the baggage and with really good control.
I mean... I just don't think we'll ever see a reliever put up the numbers Kimbrel did in 2012. A freaking .654 WHIP. We're all looking at Kimbrel this season and thinking... wow... he's in decline with his .850 WHIP and only 13 K's/9. Smoltz didn't come close to Kimbrel's 2012.
thank you weso1!
He still gave up two baserunners and put Bobby in a bind. So, yes, he played a part in it.
Last edited by CyYoung31; 09-04-2013 at 09:12 PM.
I still take Smoltz over Kimbrel.
Kimbrel has a few outings where his control just isn't there and has to rely on putting it in play.
Smoltz was still a pitcher first, thrower second. Kimbrel is getting there though. I feel like Kimbrel falls in love with his curveball/slider too much sometimes (not that they're bad pitches).
Kimbrel with a lead makes me feel comfortable, Smoltz made me feel like it was a done deal.
They're both pretty much automatic, but it's the difference between me saying Kimbrel was a 99.7% sure thing, and Smoltz was a 99.8% sure thing.
Forever Fredi
Another thing of note, Smoltz was dominating during the peak years of the steroids era as closer.
Kimbrel is dominating in an era where pitching has made a comeback the last few years.
In the playoffs, I probably take Smoltz 6/10, just because he can go multiple innings.
Forever Fredi
Kimbrel's been perfect since his blown saves early in the year, but lets not forget he probably still wouldn't have this streak had Heyward not made an amazing catch to save what would've been a blown-save loss.
Forever Fredi
I think it's silly to look at things like this. Did Andruw Jones ever make plays for Smoltz?
And I'm not sure how Smoltz was more automatic, when pretty much every number says otherwise? (even ERA and WHIP, among the fancy stats).
In the regular season the difference between Kimbrel and a good closer is marginal. Its in the postseason where elite closers prove their worth. Although Smoltz didnt have much playoff closing experience I feel confident that if it came to game 7 of the world series up by 1 run he would close that game no question. I dont have that same faith in Kimbrel just yet. If we are talking a closer for just the regular season then sure give me Kimbrel. If we are talking playoffs its Smoltz whether it be as starter, middle reliever, closer, ROOGY, LOOGY, or long reliever.
I'll take Smoltzie. And his 2003 was pretty comparable to Kimbrel's 2012. Especially when you adjust for the offensive era of 2003 and the offensive era of 2012. His 2002 would look much better overall as well if you take out his 8 run performance in the 2nd game of the yr.
He is a far better pitcher now than he was in 2010. Just like Smoltz was a far better pitcher in 1991 than he was in 1988.
No one is saying otherwise.
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