Sunday Summary: Izzy Melts Down

GOOD

Rick Ankiel

“The Chosen One” raised his batting average another seven points and had a home run and three RBI this week, but the real story was his arm.

The former pitcher continued his improved play in the field with two magnificent throws from center against the Rockies on Tuesday, throwing two runners out at third base, including the speedy Willy Taveras.

Todd Wellemeyer

This guy actually might be a legit starter in the MLB. He had another solid week, starting two games and going a combined 11 innings while giving up only three earned runs. Because he is a former reliever, he might be sent back to the bullpen later this season, but he is certainly making a case for more security as a starter. 

BAD

Kyle Lohse

Lohse had his second straight bad start, going only four innings while giving up eight hits and seven runs.

Has his luck finally run out, or does he simply need to adjust and return to form?

Now’s where we’ll find out if his earlier success was a fluke. The Cardinals don’t need him to be Cy Young but they can’t have him be Barry Zito either if they’re going to contend.

Jason Isringhausen

I probably should have made a new category called “The Worst Week He’s Ever Had.” That’s where Izzy would file this week. He blew two saves, suffered two losses, and removed himself as the team’s closer.

I’ve written about his lack of confidence, so now the question is about whether or not he’ll be able to regain it.

I’m not pitching coach, but he still appears to have the stuff that it takes to get guys out. Only time will tell how his season and career will unfold from here.

NEUTRAL

Russ Springer

In two appearances this week, Springer gave up one earned run in two innings, along with five walks.

Springer was amazing last season, but he’s definitely getting older, and he’s been pretty MIA since being injured earlier this season. He’d be a great asset to an inconsistent bullpen this season. 

Mike Parisi

The first pick from a dreadful 2004 draft class to make it to the Bigs, Parisi made a decent impression in his first week on the job, throwing seven busy innings for an ERA of 3.86.

His fastball touched 95 mph and he throws three different types of curveballs, one of which drops like a rock.

Dave Duncan might be able to turn him into a real weapon.

WHO TO WATCH OUT FOR

After finishing their series with the Brewers on Monday, the Cards return home for two series against Pittsburgh and the Rays. This team has been resilient thus far this year, and this week provides them with a chance to get back on track after dropping four of their last five.

The closer role shouldn’t lead to implosion yet. Ryan Franklin has been dynamite in the bullpen in his two seasons in St. Louis, and I’m not sure Izzy is done closing just yet. I think Lohse will straighten out and Piñero was decent on Saturday, so the rotation should continue to keep the team in games.

On a side note, Mark Mulder was shut down for one-two weeks a few days ago because of “shoulder fatigue.”

Pitchers go through stuff like this all the time in spring training, so maybe it’s something along those lines. However, if anybody is depending on him to contribute to the team this year, stop. He might never be a big-league starter again.