Typically the promotion of a minor league closer who won't be immediately closing in the majors doesn't warrant extensive analysis, but there's just something about Craig Kimbrel that has Braves' fans excited. So excited, in fact, that Capital Avenue Club has a complete rundown of Kimbrel's place in Braves' prospect history, making the bold statement that when"Looking back at the list of historic Braves relief prospect, Craig Kimbrel is probably the best to come through the system in 18 years." It's a bold statement, but not completely inaccurate, as Kimbrel's ceiling as a closer is as high as any who have preceded him.
Kimbrel won't close immediately in Atlanta, but given Billy Wagner's impending retirement, he could get the opportunity soon. On a lighter note, I never get tired of hearing stories about how, where, and when prospects get the call that their going to the big leagues, like this one about Kimbrel by Mark Bowman of MLB.com.
Kimbrel's promotion hardly leaves the cupboard bare in the Braves system however. Ben Badler of Baseball America discusses (subscription required) the dominant outing that Arodys Vizcaino had over the weekend and Talking Chop.com has their take on the article for those who can't read the whole thing. Vizcaino, acquired from the Yankees in the off-season Javier Vazquez trade, has showed this season why his curve ball is rated as one of the best in the minor leagues. He's a two-pitch pitcher for the time being, but even if his change-up never develops, he should, at the very least, end up as a power bullpen arm, perhaps one day setting up for Kimbrel in Atlanta.
