A Few Good Men: 23 - Kimball

Before we get into the 2nd half of our series, I just wanted to say that our thoughts and prayers are with the Ramos family in Venezuela today. We hope for a swift and happy ending to this tragedy.

Cole Kimball - Age 26 - Under club control for several more years.

How he became a Nat: Drafted by the Nats in the 12th Round (361st Overall) of the 2006 First Year Player Draft.

The Raw Numbers:
Games - 12
Innings - 14
ERA - 1.93
FIP - 4.03
WHIP - 1.357
WAR - 0.0

Key Stat: 98. This number is the games missed for Cole Kimball after his shoulder injury. Kimball was having a fantastic season up to that point, becoming one of the Nats most reliable relievers. It was going to be extremely difficult for Kimball to keep up the torrid pace, as his xFIP was a whopping 5.82, but while he was pitching he was solid.

Best Game: June 6th vs the Giants. Kimball came into the game in the 10th inning with the score tied at 4. He pitched 2 innings and only gave up a hit and a walk, while striking out 2 - giving the Nats offense a chance to win. They did not, as Craig Stammen picked up the loss in the 13th.

Worst Game: Just 3 days later - June 9th. Cole entered in the 6th inning after Livan and Burnett had loaded the bases. What happened was every pitching coaches nightmare, a walk to the first batter. The next hitter hit a deep sac fly to CF, scoring yet another run. Another Fly ball and the inning was over. Kimball let two of the inherited runners score, one on a walk. Ouch.

CapBall Grade: C+. Although the ERA is really solid, Kimball's health and BB numbers are the only thing keeping him from a higher grade here. 11 walks in 14 innings is just unacceptable going forward.

2012 Nats Status: I am not sure what Kimball's health status is as of right now, but I think it will be an uphill battle for him to make the team out of Spring Training. Although a dominant Spring might put him in the 'pen, I see Kimball as one of the first pitchers up from Syracuse in the event of injury/trade.