Cubs Fans Should Be Concerned About Craig Kimbrel
By Michael Luciano
When the Chicago Cubs signed Craig Kimbrel to a massive three-year contract, I bet they weren't expecting a 6.75 ERA.
The seven-time All-Star has taken longer than expected to shake off the rust this season, blowing a few saves and allowing two home runs in two separate outings, which had only happened once before in his career.
In 542 appearances before becoming a Cub, Craig Kimbrel had given up multiple home runs in an outing just once.
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) July 28, 2019
In 12 games as a Cub, he's done it twice.
Granted, one of those games was a 16-3 blowout in which his ERA was goosed just a tad, but this still isn't a good look given the amount of money it took to bring him in and how shambolic the bullpen is this season.
With 2.5 more years of Kimbrel left, a future Hall of Fame closer like him will eventually figure it out. The problem, however, is that the Cubs are in a race for the division with the Cardinals and Brewers, and don't have the requisite time for him to figure it out.
The Kimbrel from Atlanta and Boston better reappear soon, or the Cubs may keep sliding down the standings.
Craig Kimbrel on giving up 2 HR's in the 10th inning: "Didn't do what I wanted to do tonight. We need to win games like that..It sucks."
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) July 28, 2019
If he can return to his previous form, the Cubs will be as well-rounded a team as they come. If he can't, every ninth inning will be a question mark that will give Cubs fans anxiety.