Rangers' attempt to salvage closer role with washed veteran will infuriate fans

We knew the Texas Rangers were desperate for help at the closer position, but this is a bit ridiculous. POBO Chris Young is undoubtedly willing to turn over every stone to try and improve his team’s roster. But turning over a stone and Craig Kimbrel stumbling out was not on my bingo card.

Of course, there was a time when signing Kimbrel as the Rangers’ closer would be met with oohs and aahs, and his debut at Globe Life Stadium would drive ticket sales to the point of sellout.

Craig Kimbrel joins Rangers on minor-league deal as club searches for a reliable ninth-inning answer

This version of Craig Kimbrel is likely the version you get when a Texas Rangers fan makes a wish on a monkey’s paw. As a finger curls, a Craig Kimbrel that is 37 years old and who is such a shadow of his former self that even his old team in the Atlanta Braves wasn’t willing to give him more than one appearance in the Big Leagues, jogs from the bullpen to the mound to try and hold a precious 2-1 lead in the 9th inning.

If one were to look at Kimbrel’s career numbers (2.59 ERA and 440 saves), they might think Young had made a shrewd move. He’d finally found the guy who could nail down the end of games.

However, Kimbrel is a shadow of his former self these days. Last year, he couldn’t last an entire season with the Baltimore Orioles, who were not exactly pitching-rich. He was released in September after posting a 5.33 ERA and blowing 6 saves in 29 chances.

This spring, he signed with the Braves and opened the season with Gwinnett before being called up to Atlanta last week. He appeared in one game and then was designated for assignment.

He chose free agency, and according to Ken Rosenthal, he is now a member of the Rangers organization. 

In Young’s defense, Rosenthal clarifies that this is a minor league deal. He doesn’t get handed the closer role automatically. But it stands to reason Craig Kimbrel doesn’t sign with the Texas Rangers if he’s not given assurances he’ll get a shot. If he does, fans will learn the meaning of “be careful what you wish for” rather quickly.