Memories of Craig Kimbrel

[Cowtipper]

Well, that was quick, Craig Kimbrel is heading to the Rays on a major league deal. 

https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rays-craig-kimbrel-gets-mlb-deal-from-rays/

Let's see how he does. 

[Edgy MD]

The most indelible memory is the man-bun.

Still knew how to pitch, but the action wasn't there on his pitches.  Backed up into a corner and forced to throw a strike was not where you wanted to see him.

In fairness, it's not where you wanted to see anybody.  Probably still has some innings left in him, but probably not the first guy you want on the mound with the tying run on base in the ninth.

Probably not the second, third, fourth or fifth guy, either.

[seawolf17]

For better or worse, the thing we'll remember above everything is the pitching stance. Was weird to see it in a Mets uniform after so many years in Atlanta; dude made mincemeat out of our hitters for a long time.

I thought there was no way he'd make the team when they signed him, then figured he'd spend a few weeks in Syracuse before opting out like so many vets stuck in AAA do. Turned out he lasted a lot longer on the active roster than any of us would have expected (or hoped).

 

[Cowtipper]

I remember being excited when the Mets signed Kimbrel and hoping beyond hope that he would rekindle the magic that made him the future Hall of Famer he was back in Atlanta. I was elated like a schoolgirl receiving a pony for her seventh birthday when he found his way to the big league staff for the regular season, and ecstatic as he found great success early on in the season. My heart broke into millions of pieces as he slowly  fell apart, and here am I writing these words now, tears in my eyes, and melancholy like Poe on a rainy October's night. 

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

I remember when Ike Davis hit a home run off him.

[Marshmallowmilkshake]

He's played for 11 teams. Should he make the Hall of Fame, he'd be tied with Dan Brouthers for playing with the most teams.

Goose Gossage, Rickey Henderson, Deacon White and Hoyt Wilhelm played for nine, Gaylord Perry played for eight. 

[seawolf17]

In no world is Craig Kimbrel a HOFer.

[Edgy MD]

There's always room for one more.