Really, was anyone surprised?
I missed both games yesterday, the afternoon win due to work and most of the evening one due to softball. I did see them get down 5-0 and was pleasantly surprised to hear on the radio on my way home that the game was going into the bottom of the ninth. I turned on the game at home to see the Cards up in the bottom of the 10th, but the Nats had a runner on and
Ryan Franklin was pitching.
This is going to turn out badly, I thought. And sure enough it did.
Since Izzy gave up the closer role, Franklin has pitched 9.1 innings. Counting last night, he's given up four earned runs, for an ERA of 3.86. Six of the nine outings, though, he's not been charged with any runs. However, his WHIP in that span is 1.61, which is ridiculously high for a closer. To put it in perspective, Izzy's WHIP for the year is 1.78.
I'd like to see Tony be a little more open to one of the rookies getting a shot in the ninth, but I think the more likely hope is that Izzy is mentally and physically ready soon to take the job. And will Tony have to swallow a little pride and bring Anthony Reyes back to the majors after another disaster by Mike Parisi?
Hero of the second game has to be
Mark Worrell. Two scoreless innings with the team way down, then blasts a three-run homer in his first AB. The Cards have had a number of people, including pitchers, do that in the last decade. If I had more time, I'd look them up. (About to leave the office, sorry!)
At least they won the first game, behind another blast by
Troy Glaus. He really does like the warmer weather! The goat is a toss up between two players that went 0-3, but
Aaron Miles left more men on than Brian Barton. Awesome to see a pinch-hit HR by Pujols as well.
More draft today. I'm sure everyone's seen that the Cards took a 3B with their first pick. Sounds like a pretty solid hitter. With David Freese, Allen Craig and now Brett Wallace, the hot corner is a popular place.
Cards and Houston tonight. Looper vs. Moehler. Could be a lot of fireworks at the bandbox. Out of time, or I'd do the normal breakdown. Enjoy the day!
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