Who Should Be The Braves Closer?

Scott Proctor.

Despite the fact that Venters came out of nowhere and only has one great year behind him, I don’t really view Venters as a question mark at all. I feel pretty comfortable saying that he’s going to continue to shut hitters down in 2011, and I’d be just fine with him being the closer to start the season.

I love both of them, and I can’t believe we actually get to have both of these guys on our team as long as we do (speaking about how far away from free agency they are). Still, Kimbrel is a little shaky with his accuracy, and until he’s really proven that he can hone it again like he did at the end of last year, Venters should get the nod ahead of him.

This is a bad thing that we have… 2 good yound closers with All star potential and the worst part we can’t chose which one to close. Man this stinks…

 I was looking at both guys splits and I was just amazed at the differnce in the stats. I know Kimbrel hasn’t had the “experience” , but if Venters can come in a pitch a whole season at his potential then why can’t kimbrel
                               vs R vs L
Kimbrel .077 .177
Venters .206 .192

I think Venters should come into save against a hard lefty lineup such as Philly, but otherwise Kimbrel should save. If Kimbrel falters than we can just put in Venters. Kimbrel has the firepower and the whiffs but Kimbrel has groundballs and half the amount of whiffs. I would even be happy with a platoon.

Kimbrel’s been groomed as a closer. Even with his high walk rate, he’s managed a low WHIP (1.12) and ERA (1.85) in the Minors. He’s struck out 14.4/9 over the course of 151 innings. Enough said. Give me Kimbrel.

really don’t concern me at all. I’d be happy with Venters or Kimbrel closing, just like I’d be happy with either Beachy or Minor in the 5th slot. I don’t see a major difference one way or the other, and in the event our first choice doesn’t work out, the second option is still there to back him up.

I had been thinking Kimbrel, but you’ve swayed me toward Venters. He was incredibly effective last year. There’s a reason “everyday” Jonny was used every day.

i would rather use them based on the match ups. It’s a shame how the save stat has ruined bullpen management.

Kimbrel is still wet behind the ears in the Majors. Let Kimbrel settle in for a full year before heaping him with the pressure of closing for a contending team.

Didn’t stop Jonathan Papelbon. Dude tuned up for 34 innings one year (which is more than Kimbrel’s 21, but it’s not like there’s an ocean of difference there), then walked out and saved 35 with a sub-1 ERA the next year. I’m not saying Kimbrel will or should be expected to put up a sub-1 ERA, but if you’ve got it, you’ve got it, and there’s no sense in coddling him. A 2.50 or less ERA and 30-40 saves ought to be attainable. And let’s face it- we know Kimbrel’s going to walk a lot of folks. Unless he really refines his control over the next year or two, which is doubtful given how high his walk rate stayed in the minors, those walks are coming regardless, so just install him as closer and let’s be done with it.

Are good and it could be argued that Kimbrel should get the bulk of closing and Venters should be set up, as setup men tend to come in with inherited runners and has a smaller margin for error, whereas in a save situation the team could be up 3 runs

looks like..I faced Kimbrel twice before..drew a walk and struckout..got nasty stuff.

Depending on who is available and which hitters are up in the ninth…. I think both will be closers in the Major Leagues

Really surprised Venters is leading the vote

Kimbrel is just too dominating to put anywhere else. If a guy is getting a 15K/9 or better, there’s no place to put him but closing the door.

To me, setup men get more innings. There is a greater chance of Venters pitching in the 6th, 7th, or 8th innings in a close game than coming in in the 8th/9th innings when he is a closer.

Based on that fact along, I want Venters to eat up innings and be our setup man so that we can GET to the 9th and let Kimbrel close it down for us.

Plus, Kimbrel was supposedly built for the closing role. I’m not sure how I like him as a setup man (but that is personal opinion that can’t be translated into facts).

the mix and match ala Soriano/Gonzo a few years ago move? Gonzo and Wren have discussed this exact option as likely to start the year.

Clearly. Should have been a poll option

that the best way of doing it is the platoon option. Since both guys are young and seem pretty ego-free, it shouldn’t be too much of an issue. And the benefits are potentially large, particularly since Fredi can also switch them off easily if one is overworked or struggling. I just don’t see a reason to “choose” one or the other, at least not yet. If one pitches much better than the other in the first couple months, maybe you reevaluate then.

I do think we are all probably overvaluing Jonny a bit… I think last year may end up being his career year… He seemed to benefit from luck quite a bit, too. Of course, I still think he’s pretty damn good, and certainly capable of closing. Just not “ERA under 2.00 every year” good. Of course, Kimbrel’s no sure thing, either. I rate them about even for this season.

if for no other reason than you don’t want your Carlos Marmol type coming into the game in any situation except a clean inning, when you can help it.

Venters is versatile in that he mixes in strikeouts and groundballs, with the latter making him valuable in mopping up another reliever’s mess. Though I don’t agree with using a reliever in a strict 9th inning save situation only role, we’re almost certainly going to get that regardless.

Still on roster.

This is one of those “good problems”. It’s like trying to choose between a smokin hot brunette and a smokin hot blonde…yet knowing that you still get to have both

If kimbrell is not the closer he can be used in high pressure situations that we need a righty for. I don’t quite trust Linebrink with the game on the line and in my mind Moylan is the groundball double play guy.