The talented Braves releif prospect Craig Kimbrel was promoted to double-A Mississippi today and LHP Bryan Dumesnil was released from the organization. Kimbrel started the year at hi-A Myrtle Beach, but had control problems and was quickly demoted to low-A Rome. He dominated in Rome and earned another promotion to the Beach, where he continued his success the second time around.
The Braves, seemingly pushing the strikeout machine Kimbrel as fast as they can, promoted him to double-A. The righty's numbers, even with the bad stint early in the season at Myrtle Beach, are ridiculous -- In 48.1 combined innings between three levels, Kimbrel has 85 strikeouts and a .175 average against. It's easy to see why the Braves want to move him fast, in hopes that he could help the big league club as early as next season.
Kimbrel worked 2 scoreless innings in his debut tonight in Mississippi, allowing 2 hits, a walk, and striking out 2. He earned the "W" as the team came back to win in extra innings.
0 recs | 15 comments
Don’t really like it. His command was pretty bad at the beach even the second time around. I’d like to see him get more time down there to try and sort it down before facing more advanced competition.
was385 - August 1, 2009
I sort of agree
This is just a guess, but tons of Ks and BBs and almost no hits surrendered make it look like he’s fooling hitters into swinging at stuff out of the zone. AA competition may not be fooled quite as easily. But, on the other hand, If left to embarrass the Carolina league he might never have had to learn to throw strikes.
VivaLosBravos - August 1, 2009
This
Push the kid, and let’s see what he’s got. The Double A Acid test, if you will, to channel Sickels for a sec.
Yakker - August 1, 2009
Accordng to those who have watched him, his slider tends to move out of the K zone. First trip to the Beach, the hitters wouldn’t chase it and he had trouble adjusting. He adjusted at Rome and is now doing just fine.
braves99 - August 1, 2009
I feel like I over-estimated the organizations value of Cory Gearrin. Somehow he got leap-frogged in all of this. Anyways, Kimbrel is on track to be our closer as soon as some time next year, if he can keep the mechanics right and throw strikes.
timmy3 - August 1, 2009
Gearrin
doesn’t have the stuff of kimbrel. Kimbrel’s fastball-slider combo is incredible
was385 - August 1, 2009
I don’t get what they’re doing with Gearrin. The guy is highly effective and he’s got the right mentality. He was a high round pick though, so as long as he’s producing, he’ll be in their plans.
cbwilk - August 1, 2009
I doubt the franchise has the faith in Kimbrel to expect him to contribute as a closer at any point next season. What I’m trying to say is that I expect us to resign one of the guys we got or acquire another closer in the offseason.
bwellnjonesco - August 1, 2009 via mobile
Yes, this.
Closer is not the place to break a young reliever into the majors.
MichaelProcton - August 1, 2009
If Kimbrel can throw strikes I'll be thrilled
KC Ryan - August 1, 2009
i like the promotion
Heyward is the next crime dog - August 1, 2009
Heading to watch the game Sunday…so its good another great prospect to watch.
gobraves3940 - August 1, 2009
It will more than likely be rained out.
Jay212033 - August 1, 2009
seriously
the rain gods must hate the 2 studs at Mississippi.
Scott Coleman - August 1, 2009
The rain deities
They’re just afraid that – once Heyward and Freeman reach that majors – they’ll make it rain so much it’ll steal the divine thunder.
jpx7 - August 2, 2009
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