Some All Star Break Stats

As I’ve said before, I think the lack of clearly defined roles hurts the Cards pen. The bullpen is definitely the weak spot on this team. Our relievers lead the majors in blown saves (22) and have the second-highest loss total (20). Obviously this would be a non issue if Izzy was his usual self, but a look at TLR’s recent comments is pretty revealing,

"It's not about Isringhausen being the closer. It's about who has the best chance to get the outs in the ninth..."

I firmly believe this “closer by committee” is tough for this group of pitchers. Izzy is used to being out there in the 9th, nobody else is, and it makes it especially tough when the guys are so young. In my opinion, TLR needs to define some roles, and Mo needs to go get TLR some left handed relief help. When this happens you will see the bullpen start to perform better.

But before we pile on the bullpen crew, consider these statistics: So far this season, 17 players have been placed on the DL, including the best hitter in the game (Pujols), the team ace (Carpenter, who hasn’t thrown a pitch yet), the default ace (Wainwright), and the all time saves leader (Izzy). Throw in starting pitchers Mark Mulder and Matt Clement, who don’t look ready to contribute this season, consider this team has already ran nine different starters out there, and the pitching staff has had 91 appearances by rookies this season... Can anybody explain how are we 10 games over .500?

IF Ankiel, Glaus, and Ludwick an keep supplying the power, IF Pujols can keep being Pujols (and pick up his power numbers a bit), IF Molina can continue to have a career year, IF we can keep getting contributions from the Schumaker/Miles/Ryan/Kennedy type players, IF our starters can continue to defy logic, and a BIG IF we get Wainwright and “Cy” Carpenter back in time, along with (come on Mo) some lefty help in the pen…. Then this young team is going to be right in the mix for the playoffs. That is a lot of IFS, but IF they just keep playing hard and still come up short, this Cardinals fan won’t be disappointed. TLR has done a great job, Duncan has done a great job, and this team plays hard.