Ryan Franklin has been the Cardinals closer for the last few seasons, but a very rough outing to begin the 2011 campaign proved too much to save his career in St. Louis.

Since 2008 and his start in the Cardinals closer role until the end of 2010, he had converted 82 of 97 save opportunities and was an incredibly formidable closer to end their games.
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Batista, 40, made 26 appearances for the Cardinals after making the team as a non-roster invitee to Spring Training. He allowed 27 hits in 29 1/3 innings, striking out 16 against 19 walks. He has struggled mightily in recent weeks, allowing 14 runs and 11 walks in 13 1/3 innings over his past 12 appearances since mid-May.

From the Cardinals Official Website

It seems as if the straw that finally broke the camels back came following Tuesday nights 9 run 8th for the Phillies that really has the Cardinals wondering where exactly they go from here.
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Currently this is the list of the Cardinals bullpen:

*Brian Tallet – age 33
*Bryan Augenstein – age 24
*Eduardo Sanchez – age 22
*Fernando Salas – age 25
*Jason Motte – age 28
*Miguel Batista – age 40
*Ryan Franklin – age 38
*Trever Miller – age 37

Mitchell Boggs was amongst the names but was sent down to Memphis the other day to do work and become molded as a starter.

Last night, Cardinals GM John Mozeliak was questioned in the matter and said for now there is no talk of bringing anyone in. He did stress that June or July may be the time they really start to evaluate the situation and make rash decisions.

“The good thing for us right now is we’re competing, we’re doing it in a lot of different ways, and as long as we can stay in contention and be in a place where we can compete, the St. Louis Cardinals always look for ways to improve themselves at the Trade Deadline.”

– John Mozeliak (Read The Entire Article Here)
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