Cardinals Closer Situation

[JTWood]

The local stations finally started clamoring for LaRussa to pull Izzy from the closer position. They're advocating Adam Wainwright, but I have to think that LaRussa will stick to his historical tendency of starting experience over youth and go with Looper.

It's going to be an interesting month either way, though.

[cordscords]

I still think Izzy has the job, for now.

[JTWood]

I think LaRussa will be hard pressed to come up with a good rationale for keeping Izzy in the closer role. It's not like Izzy's having some bad luck. He walked two and hit another today. That's his own doing.

[clevername]

Tony's not going to pull Izzy. He's stuck with him so far, he's one of his guys. I just don't think it's going to happen.

He may start pulling him in the middle of innings, but I think Izzy will continue to get 1st shot.

That extension we signed him to is going to be a freaking albatross.

[cordscords]

At this point, I think it would be a panic move by the organization to pull Izzy. While he isnt putting up his usual stats (mostly control issues), he isnt really killing the team like some other closers are. In fact, he had not been scored upon in his last 5 outings prior to today.

If he's pulled, I don't think it's the right move.

[sportsaddict]

Izzy is simply pathetic at this point. Honestly I dont know what the Cards should do, I'd like to see Looper get a shot but I don't know. Of course I come home today to see another blown save, which is 10 on the year. Limit that number to 3 or 4 or even 5 and we are in great shape. But 10 is unacceptable... this guy has been bad all year, no control, letting up HRs, etc.

[wrveres]

No way Tony pulls Izzy from the gig. Thats his boy. It would take alot more than this for Tony to lose confidence in him.

[NZF]

Yeah agreed, although if you have the roster space and you need saves then Looper is good to grab for tomorrow's games because Izzy won't be available to pitch.

[Pogotheostrich]

Izzy isn't losing the job yet and Tony won't pull him unless Izzy puts 2-3 of these botched saves together. The once a week implosion is getting real old really fast but TLR will stick with his guy until he has no other choice.

And if Izzy is eventually removed I'd put money on Looper.

[Old_Style]

Looper would be the obvious choice if Isringhausen blows a few more saves. He's got prior closing experience, although it's not heads-over-heals great, he'll know what to expect.

I don't expect LaRussa to pull Isringhausen out of the roll just yet though.