Craig Kimbrel: NL Rookie of the Year?

As a self admitted Atlanta Braves fan, I try to avoid discussing the Braves too much but, I find that they are one of about 8 teams worth discussing at this point in the season.  After that point, the one thing to discuss about the Atlanta ballclub has been the absurdity of the bullpen lead by Craig Kimbrel.  The 23 year old rookie has lead a trio of young relievers that has been making history all year long.  Even as Kimbrel’s scoreless streak continues to climb (He’s given up no earned runs in his last 34 appearences spanning 33 2/3 innings),  it remains incredibly difficult to quantify just how dominant Kimbrel has been in this streak without watching the highlights of each game. He’s allowed men to reach third base just once that I can remember and seems to strikeout 2 guys every time he goes out. It’s been truly astounding.

Kimbrel has struck out 59 batters over these last 33 2/3.  Only 25 other relievers have that many strikeouts all year!  He has 20 more strikeouts than the next closest reliever and his WAR of 3.2 is nearly a full point above the next closest (that’s a percent difference of 32.7%).  So, Kimbrel’s been nearly 33% better than any other reliever in all of baseball?!!? Not quite, statistics don’t really work that way but, it’s interesting nonetheless. Also, his 3.2 WAR is the highest for a reliever since 2007 (Rafael Betancourt also at 3.2).

Since June 14th, when this streak began, Kimbrel’s given up exactly 12 hits.  Think about that…. Ok, I did it for you.  It’s been 80 days since June 14th.  That’s 11.42 weeks.  Craig has basically given up a hit once a week.

If all this doesn’t land Craig a Rookie of the Year award he’ll have only one person to blame: Freddie Freeman.  Freeman is on pace for a .293 average about 22 homers and about 82 RBI while playing fantastic defense and playing everyday.  Ryan Howard was the last first baseman to win the award and he did so while hitting .288 with 22 homers and 63 RBI.  Freeman’s case for award the award may come down to the old debate between pitchers and position players and which is more valuable for the teams’ success.

If the voters vote based on dominance, it’s Kimbrel.  Should they vote for the position player, it’s Freddie Freeman.

-Sean Morash