MLB NEWS
Isringhausen Returns to Closer’s Role For Cardinals
Published by MoonDog on July 29, 2008
Much to my personal dismay, the St. Louis Cardinals have decided to give the closer’s role back to Jason Isringhausen, who has been a complete disaster and is personally responsible for 11 losses this season as a result of blown saves or allowing late inning rallies to tie the score.
Ryan Franklin, who has blown six saves as the interim closer, will return to his role as the setup reliever.
Both players were informed of the change Monday afternoon. According to reports, Isringhausen was relieved and Franklin expressed no surprise at the move.
The move was made based on “recent bullpen implosions” – the Cardinals bullpen has imploded well beyond recently. The relievers have combined to blow 25 saves this season, a number that easily leads all bullpens in Major League Baseball.
The good news is the Cards’ haven’t needed Isringhausen the past two games, as they defeated the Atlanta Braves 12-3 Monday and 8-3 Tuesday.
“In my head, I knew Izzy’s the closer and I’m just here to fill in until he got ready, which I think he is,” Franklin said.
Isringhausen lost the closer’s job after going 1-5 with an 8.00 ERA and six blown saves in 17 chances. He went on the disabled list May 13 after punching a television set in the Milwaukee Brewers’ visitors clubhouse.
“This is what I’ve done for a long time. Now it’s about me going out and doing it. I don’t want to go too far beyond that, OK?” Isringhausen said.
In 16 appearances since coming off the DL on June 14, he has allowed eight earned runs in 19 innings, and his ERA has dropped to 5.84. He had consecutive scoreless appearances during the past weekend against the Mets.
“I personally see improvement in the way Izzy’s throwing the ball,” Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan said. “If I didn’t think he could go out there and get the save, I certainly wouldn’t agree — not that it would make any difference, but my opinion wouldn’t be what it is.”
In other Cardinals News
Albert Pujols has regained his stroke after a brief slump in which he was only 2-for-19 at the plate during a five-game stretch.
Since the second game of the Mets’ series this past weekend, Pujols has gone 10-for-18 at the plate (.555), with 2 2Bs, 3 HRs, and 8 RBIs. Pujols’ average had dipped to .340 during the mini-slump, but has since raised it to .355 during the past four games.
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- Glaus’ Big Day Leads Cards Rout Of Cubs
- Carpenter Set To Return For Cardinals
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tophatal on Wed, 30th Jul 2008 12:41
Moon Dog
It goes with the old addage becareful of what you wish for as it can come back to bite you in the ass. Isringhausen as you say has been something of a bust . But it’d appear that La Russa believes in him implicitly. Either that or Isringhausen possesses some pictures of him in a somewhat less than appropriate situation ?
tophatal ………….