Craig Kimbrel For Braves Closer In 2019

[CrimsonCowboy]

Who’s with me?

[Enscheff]

Definitely not overreacting to a single game here...

[CrimsonCowboy]

Definitely not overreacting to a single game here...

Honestly, this is not a reaction to today’s game. The bullpen has been inconsistent a good part of this season. I have felt this way a while. Today’s game did add to my want of adding Kimbrel for next season, but not 100% of the reason, I assure you.

[GeorgiaGirl]

I don't think this really fixes anything. Having a non automatic closer maybe reverses 2 or 3 games but like I've stated constantly there are multiple games where it is NOT on the closing performance where we can point at.

And at best, you have to drop 15 million on him. The Braves are going to probably have to spend on outfield, so how much money does that leave left? Even Markakis costs 10 most likely and then that might very well be it.

[Perfect Cell]

No thanks. And I do love Craig. But we "should" have some money to spend next year. Lets get another ace, another OF or Josh Donaldson.

[CrimsonCowboy]

No thanks. And I do love Craig. But we "should" have some money to spend next year. Lets get another ace, another OF or Josh Donaldson.

I can agree on those points except for Donaldson. Guy just can’t stay healthy anymore. For 3rd, I’d like to see what Riley can do with the big club.

[clvclv]

I don't think this really fixes anything. Having a non automatic closer maybe reverses 2 or 3 games but like I've stated constantly there are multiple games where it is NOT on the closing performance where we can point at.

And at best, you have to drop 15 million on him. The Braves are going to probably have to spend on outfield, so how much money does that leave left? Even Markakis costs 10 most likely and then that might very well be it.

So where do you propose AA spends the windfall that's coming?

They're not likely to spend a dime on the rotation, CF, LF (or RF if Acuna shifts over), 1B, 2B, or SS.

Unless they drop a lot of money on extensions, you're still going to have a huge chunk of change to spend, more than enough to give $15 million per to Kimbrel, Moustakas, and Markakis or his replacement if they decide to go that way. I think most people understand you guys when you point out that a Closer isn't the most optimal place to spend your money, but the only other "needs" will be Markakis' spot, someone to share time with Camargo at 3B (if they don't give Riley the job), and the pen.

There's really no need to spend big to get someone to split time with Flowers - although trading for Realmuto remains a strong possibility, he's not due to make big money. While the money's there, I don't think anyone realistically sees AA as getting into the Harper bidding war. Maybe Brantley's healthy season pushes AA towards him rather than bringing back Markakis or he chooses to bring in Moustakas to pair with Camargo, but you're still likely looking at ~ $15 million AAV players there.

The 2019 payroll currently sits in the $50,350,000 range before extensions and arbitration raises. From the current 40-Man Roster, we can probably expect Lindgren, Whitley, Jose Ramirez, Lane Adams, Flaherty, and possibly Reed to be non-tendered this winter while Anibal likely is allowed to walk. There's not going to be a need to pinch pennies for the first time in forever, and adding a lockdown Closer makes some sense - even if that guy's not Kimbrel.

[Nerfherders]

I'd rather spend that money on a corner OF. I think that is our biggest need this offseason. And no, not Markakis. I think everyone can agree he's not likely to repeat this season ever again. Besides, this offense needs more power in it. The offense tends to bog down when we aren't stringing hits together, because we don't have enough pop in the lineup.

[Southcack77]

Braves probably have about 40-50 million to acquire one catcher, one outfielder, one bench bat.

Considering they probably won't be in on the 30m+ crowd and that they probably have at least one big trade in them, money doesn't seem to be a tremendous limiting factor.

If anything, time would seem the biggest issue as they probably aren't going to want to commit big dollars beyond three years.

[UNCBlue012]

Definitely not overreacting to a single game here...

The Braves may go on and win their next 16, but damn if you don't use this same phrase all the time. Some people seriously think Kimbrel should be here next year, and whether you agree or not, may not be an overreaction but someone's thoughts.

[Buzzworm]

I'd love for that to happen but until Liberty sells the team I'll belive the Braves spending big money on a free agent when I see it.
I'm hoping Arthur Blank at the game last night was a sign of things changing but I won't hold my breath.

[Acuña’s Bat Flip]

I saw Bowman hint at it last week on Twitter but I won't hold my breath. I'd rather have Brandon Phillips back like I said all during last winter.

[The Chosen One]

We need a closer who would be effective for multiple innings.

[jpx7]

We need a closer who would be effective for multiple innings.

[zbhargrove]

No... what a waste of money that would be

[CyYoung31]

We need a closer who would be effective for multiple innings.

[GeorgiaGirl]

It's not a very popular opinion with the traditionalists also, but I don't think the closing inning really has that much mystique to it. Blee dat. I think the most important inning is the one with the highest leverage and that isn't necessarily always going to be the precious 9th.

Biddle's usage needs to be better though. A couple shaky outings and it seemingly has been he was taken out of leverage. He needs to flip flop with Venters and be used more Andrew Miller-esque when he's going good (I don't think he is "as" good though). Very possible he's the 2017 Sam Freeman this year but while he's good, take advantage of it. This is actually complimenting him from me. If you think having the "it factor" matters, for this season he's had it in spades.

[TomahawkCult]

It's not a very popular opinion with the traditionalists also, but I don't think the closing inning really has that much mystique to it. Blee dat. I think the most important inning is the one with the highest leverage and that isn't necessarily always going to be the precious 9th.

Biddle's usage needs to be better though. A couple shaky outings and it seemingly has been he was taken out of leverage. He needs to flip flop with Venters and be used more Andrew Miller-esque when he's going good (I don't think he is "as" good though). Very possible he's the 2017 Sam Freeman this year but while he's good, take advantage of it. This is actually complimenting him from me. If you think having the "it factor" matters, for this season he's had it in spades.

I consider myself somewhat "traditionalist," but I agree re: closers/9th inning. I prefer the "fireman" approach.

[Carp]

I've been on this wagon since before the season started. We would likely need to move JT to make it happen. Perhaps packaging JT and Viz together to a large market team in need of pitching, like the Angels. Just spit balling there.

I do like the idea of Donaldson on a short term deal with incentives. OF can be addressed via trade and hopefully that player isn't making too much money. That would leave plenty to throw at Kimbrell.

I know people don't like throwing money at RPs, but guys like Kimbrell, Chapman, Rivera, Wagner, etc. are the exceptions to the rule. Also, contending teams that need a reliable closer like we do either have to sign one or trade for one. Considering the going rate for top level closers on the trade market, I'd rather pay Kimbrell 15 million than trade multiple top 10 prospects for guys like Treinan.

[Skeeter31]

Absolutely not. I love Kimbrel, but I don’t want to drop upwards of $15M a season on a player that will maybe pitch 60 innings a year. We have too many other needs and not nearly enough money to cover them all.