Co-Closers for Braves...

Could the Atlanta Braves possible have two closers? According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, it very well could be. As of right now, Craig Kimbrel is the closer. But if you look at the stats, you could bring up the argument that set-up man Jonny Venters could close as well. Before last night's series finale versus the Houston Astros, Venters brought in an ERA of .044 while helping the team in three saves in 37 games. On the other hand, lets take a look at Kimbrel. In 33 games, he brings in a 3.33 ERA with 18 saves. And both Venters and Kimrel both bring the heat, upwards to 100 mph. For the first few months of this season, Venters has played in four more games than Kimbrel, but Manager Fredi Gonzalez has given Kimbrel more opportunities to come in late to close out the games. 

The good thing about these two guys are they are not in competition with one another. They are not coming into the ball games to try and outdo the other. They are coming into the games to help the team win. If one cannot play one night, then the other is there to pick him up and take his place to close out the game if need be. This is actually a good problem that Gonzalez has. He has two players that can get the job done. And both Venters and Kimbrel are helping the Braves pitching staff to the best ERA of the majors at 3.04, followed by NL East leader Philadelphia Phillies at 3.15. It hasn't been since the nineties that the Braves have held that record with the likes of pitchers, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz.