Izzy or Franklin?

[Neato Torpedo]

Can anyone tell me the latest news on the St. Louis closer situation? Franklin's been doing relatively well (9/10 in save ops as interim closer), but Izzy's been the Cards' closer for nigh on 7 years. Are we looking at Izzy returning to the closer spot permanently, or will he ease into the role for a period of a few weeks? He was DL'd for a laceration on his hand, not some type of elbow/shoulder injury so there wouldn't be any specific reason to baby him for a few weeks.

[Dan Lambskin]

Ask again later

[Neato Torpedo]

My Magic 8 Ball said "Chris Perez" but I think it's broken.

[Pogotheostrich]

My Magic 8 Ball said "Chris Perez" but I think it's broken.

You must have the 2009 version.

[BillyMafia]

I believe that Izzy will get his job back.

BTW. I played in Tony LaRussa's ARF golf tournament yesterday and on the longest drive hole Izzy hit it over the green. I don't know why they had the longest drive on a 340 yard hole but it was still a good poke. Izzy and Tony have a very good personal relationship and watching them together I see how Tony trusts Izzy. I didn't see it before as an outsider but do think that how a player/coach interact can give you a longer leash. I have never heard any coach speak more highly of a player than Tony does for Pujols either.

[wildbill]

I think it was on ESPN somewhere, but I read earlier today that Izzy will start by pitching in middle relief and if that goes well he could be back to closing before too long. Bottom line, if Izzy pitches more like the pre-meltdown Izzy he'll be closing again soon, but if he pitches like Brett Myers in a road game he won't.

[mak1277]

Let's be honest here...the hand laceration was nothing more than a convenient scapegoat for disabling Izzy. They were talking about DL'ing him (or releasing him) before he hurt his hand. He was DL'd for sucking, and nothing more than that.

I put the over/under on Izzy saves for the rest of the year at 5. He's not going to be the solution.

[wildbill]

Let's be honest here...the hand laceration was nothing more than a convenient scapegoat for disabling Izzy. They were talking about DL'ing him (or releasing him) before he hurt his hand. He was DL'd for sucking, and nothing more than that.

I put the over/under on Izzy saves for the rest of the year at 5. He's not going to be the solution.

So what you're saying is his meltdown wasn't physical? That was pretty obvious. So you think there's no chance the time away could have allowed him to clear his head and right himself mentally? Some experts agree with you, but there's a lot who don't as well.

[Giambis]

I believe that Izzy will get his job back.

BTW. I played in Tony LaRussa's ARF golf tournament yesterday and on the longest drive hole Izzy hit it over the green. I don't know why they had the longest drive on a 340 yard hole but it was still a good poke. Izzy and Tony have a very good personal relationship and watching them together I see how Tony trusts Izzy. I didn't see it before as an outsider but do think that how a player/coach interact can give you a longer leash. I have never heard any coach speak more highly of a player than Tony does for Pujols either.

Whew. And to think I was worried.

Any news on whether he does his taxes at H&R Block?

[DaShiz23]

This sux, I have both of them in four of my leagues! I decided to DL Izzy, and don't want to cut bait after stashing him for so long. Valuable roster spot needs to open soon!!