Jason Isringhausen Is Trying to Kill Me

I've felt this way before. I have felt that Izzy was trying to give me a heart attack with his ineptitude. Certainly the Cardinals' loss last night wasn't entirely his fault, however, it's the closer's job to save the game. He entered with an 8-7 lead and gave up a MAMMOTH two run shot to Carlos Beltran. And this club is quite familiar with what Beltran can do thanks to his performance in the NLCS a couple of years ago so there's no excuse for that kinda mistake. A team that is leading a game 7-1 should win. Our pitching has been horrendous. And Albert Pujols is too much of a team guy to complain publicly, but it must sting to have a monster night (7 RBIs!)obliterated by the Redbirds' mediocre pitching staff. It would be nice if management made a move -- benching Izzy comes to mind -- but LaRussa won't do that. And we're supposed to take comfort in Mark Mulder's return...but for some reason, that doesn't make me feel better...

Date

Wed 08/23/06, 9:06 am EST

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RoblefkoLegend

1225 days ago

Score 3

I think they need to get Benitez and switch to a closer by committee with Izzy, Looper, and Benitez. You cant go wrong with that.

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Anonymous Fanatic #1

1225 days ago

Score 1

Why not add Jesse Orosco and Roger McDowell to the mix. Hell, maybe Randy Meyers too.

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JustjudithWaterboy

1225 days ago

Score 1

they should DO SOMETHING. to leave it like this is just saying you're giving up. i'd give looper a shot even though he looks far from dominating -- you have to shake things up when they're not working.

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SportsChick

1225 days ago

Score 1

A closing committee with Izzy, Looper and Benitez? Ok, Izzy and Looper tend to meltdown about once every 7-10 days which means platooning them gets you a meltdown every 3-5 days, and Benitez in true wildcard fashion melts down when the wind blows from the West, or the East, or the South, or the North, or if his tighty whiteys are too tight...He's unreliable. I suggest you look for closers that have never closed for the Mets who are notorious for holding onto closers past their prime (John Franco anyone)and good luck!

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The sharkDraft Pick

1225 days ago

Score 1

That is a great title!
I agree that a "closer committee" rarely works but the Cards almost have to do something. They can't afford to keep losing games they should win. The Reds are breathing down their necks. I would at least give Looper a try - after all, he did it in Florida in 2003 and NY for a while. See what he's got.

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JustjudithWaterboy

1225 days ago

Score 1

thanks :)

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Alex HolowczakHall of Famer

1225 days ago

Score -1

This is not the worst problem. If you are losing games you ought to win, why not do what you were doing while you were winning. Presuming the closer pitches the ninth inning, why use a closer? Just keep the reliever in for an extra inning? Or use another reliever? I agree with Roblefko that there is no need to have one specialist closer.

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RoblefkoLegend

1225 days ago

Score 2

note, i actually put no thought into what i said. i was merely making a joke- 3 unsuccessful ex-mets to close things out.

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JustjudithWaterboy

1225 days ago

Score 1

as a fan, i've watched izzy be scary for three seasons. he will give up a homerun or two or load the bases up before notching a save. it's clear he isn't up for the job for whatever reason. i'm tempted to find out if anybody can step up. but larussa and duncan don't tinker with the lineup. izzy will see another blown save or six before the season is done.

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