Bullpen Troubles Mounting
The Cardinals ended their five game winnings streak with a loss to Milwaukee Brewers tonight in the opener of a four game series with the Friars. Even though the loss brings the Brew Crew even with the Redbirds in the standings, the part that stings is the lack of effectiveness from the St. Louis bullpen.
After yesterday’s heroics from Aaron Miles, it’s easy to forget that the Cards wouldn’t have even been in that position if it wasn’t for another faltering relief performance. With the game on the line, former closer Jason Isringhausen blew yet another save opportunity, sending the game to the bottom of the ninth.
In game one of the Milwaukee series, the Cards found themselves in a similar situation. Following an impressive come from behind ninth inning, it was again the late inning relief that allowed the Brewers to take the lead, and ultimately, win the game.
The Cardinals bullpen ranks worst in the National League, but the team somehow still remains in contention, just two games behind the division leading Chicago Cubs. After looking more closely at the numbers, it’s easy to conclude that with a better pen, the Cards would easily be leading the pack.
I’ll try to crunch some numbers to back up my disgust, but in the meantime, look for the Cards to try to even the series tomorrow night when current ace Kyle Lohse takes on former Cardinal Jeff Suppan.
I’m sure that Tony is trying to take some of the heat off of the pen with his comments after last night’s game, but when you look at the season as a whole, it’s hard to give the pen a pass. There have been some good performances, but 22-23 blown saves? That’s ridiculous.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:33 amTroubles in the pen, yeah, but take into account the offense doesn’t always give the team enough production, and, that the starting rotation probably averages five or six innings and that’s it. I’d say, the Cards’ pen wouldn’t be the best in the league, but they sure would be better if they weren’t so overworked.
July 27th, 2008 at 8:01 pmGosh! Carpenter shuts them out, then McClellan pitches two solid innings, Villone gives up a homer (to Andruw Jones!), and now Franklin just got the last out after Izzy blew it… again.
If McClellan is supposed to be a starter next year, why not just let him pitch into the 9th after he pitched two good innings? If he can’t throw 3 innings, then how is he expected to pitch 6-7 innings every 5 days next year?
They had a 4-0 lead going into the 9th, so he could have continued and kept another bullpen arm rested. Just a thought.
The fact they’re still in contention, is, I’m afraid, smoke and mirrors at this point. I’m not sure how much more they can keep this up. =8P I guess we shall see!
August 5th, 2008 at 8:59 pm