There is no real need for a Cardinal closer to stand up, regardless of the clamor for Cardinal manager Tony La Russa to name someone to that role.
Blown saves (27 as of Tuesday) have certainly been costly to the Redbirds this season. And if the Cardinals have any hope of being in postseason play, Chris Perez will have to be the man. Granted, Adam Wainwright was the closer down the stretch in the championship year of 2006. But this is 2008.
The Cardinals pitching situation is quite different. This team needs starters who can take it to the late innings – the 7th, 8th and 9th.
When the Cardinals’ season looked to be over just a couple of weeks ago – when the starters could not get to the fifth inning – the closer situation was still in question.
Members of the bullpen had to perform in roles to which they were not accustomed. Hence the meltdowns, blow-ups and heartache that came. A set starting rotation that can go long into games should certainly benefit the Cardinals.
Now back to Perez. He was drafted to close. He has pitched in the minors to close. So now that he is here, he should close.
La Russa has been guarded in not bestowing him with the title. He has brought him along slowly, making sure he pitched in confidence-building situations. He made sure Perez had enough confidence to throw another pitch other than his blazing fast ball.
This is something he will need in the Major Leagues.
Now that he has shown improvement since being recalled from the minors, it’s time to go for it. Perez will probably have a mistake somewhere along the way and that is to be expected. The Cardinals would be better served to allow him to grow and not let him simmer in the minors.
Remember this was a team that was not supposed to contend. So now that they are still in it, what do they have to lose?
Speaking of losing, the Cardinals are in the midst of series of games in which their opponents are out of contention. If there were ever a time for St. Louis to truly make a run, it’s now. Anything more than one loss during this homestand before two games with wild-card leader Milwaukee would be very difficult to overcome.
Rams just regular
I have determined that the Rams have decided to forego the preseason. It’s evident by their play that they are just waiting for the regular season. That has to be it. They are saving themselves, right?
Surely, the play we have seen so far will not be reflective to what will take place in three weeks when they play for keeps. Don’t worry, they are just setting everyone else up because when the regular season rolls around we will see a completely different team than what we have seen the last two seasons. Did I mention that is what I am hoping for?
It appears that Steven Jackson’s second job is better than playing for the Rams. He has given up more than $300,000 in fines for his hold out.
Apparently the other job he holds down is much more lucrative than playing football. If that is the case then perhaps he should stick with it. His meaningless holdout has created nothing but ill will. At least it used to. You see not many people really care anymore. While Jackson can help make the Rams slightly better the question is – at what cost? Remember last season he was for half of the games and the Rams won only three – several of which were blowouts. As for Jackson, how much better will he actually make them? The Rams would be better served to let him sit at this point. After this week it will be difficult for him to help this team should he return any later. With that said why let him come in, be a bigger distraction and eventually get hurt again. There is always a running back tree in the draft for the Rams to get a good one off of next year. I say play it out, trade him at seasons’ end and go for some young healthy legs next year.