Chicago Cubs – Craig Kimbrel
The Cubs’ Craig Kimbrel. How can I convey it? Awful? Horrifying? One of the few words you wouldn’t say to your neighbor. Do you remember when we talked about Wick closing? Well, there you go. And it doesn’t matter if it’s 2019 or spring training. It’s still a wreck.
Now, he’s been a seven-time All-Star in his 10 seasons. Heck, he could have been an All-Star his first season with the Atlanta Braves. In 20 2/3 innings, he struck out 40 and had a ridiculous ERA+ of 914. He didn’t have the time to ‘wow’ them–but he was close. His first season with the Cubs? Did I mention he had knee and elbow inflammation?
He’s got a 10.13 ERA in 2 2/3 innings in spring training. In 2019, his HR/FB rate was 36%. The worst it’s been? 13.6% with the Padres. Also, while pitching only 20 2/3 innings in 2019, he had FIP of 8.00–by far his worst in his career. Maybe the COVID-19 virus allowed him time to heal.