Cards vs Stros (L) - Looper v Chacon 7:15 Start

[Schwahalala]

The Stros are good again.

Houston Astros (29-23)

8:15 PM ET Busch Stadium

St. Louis Cardinals (30-22)

2008 ERA 4.11 W-L 1-0 K 40 Past 3 Starts 1-0, 5.51 ERA Car. @ Stadium - vs. Cardinals 2008 Stats 0-0, 2.77 ERA Career Stats 0-0, 3.69 ERA Past 3 Starts 0-0, 2.77 ERA

Shawn Chacon vs. Braden Looper

2008 ERA 4.34 W-L 6-3 K 26 Past 3 Starts 1-2, 5.29 ERA Car. @ Stadium - vs. Astros 2008 Stats 1-0, 2.13 ERA Career Stats 7-3, 2.50 ERA Past 3 Starts 1-1, 4.00 ERA

[ElviswasaBluesFan]

"Chris Perez is not ready to close on a daily basis," La Russa said Sunday before his team’s series finale against Los Angeles. "That would not be good for him and it would not be good for us. He needs to grow into his responsibilities here. I don’t even worry about how that sounds, because clearly from the way he’s being used there’s a confidence factor there."

Doesn't seem like it's a confidence problem from Perez. More to do with LaRussa's lack of confidence in a rookie?

Also, has it ever been reported how Izzy lacerated his hand? Did he punch a wall or something?

[cardinalgirl]

he punched or slapped tony's tv or something. good thing he didn't notice Izzy's confidence problem back when.

[ElviswasaBluesFan]

he punched or slapped tony's tv or something. good thing he didn't notice Izzy's confidence problem back when.

yeah, I'd say LaRussa has a problem with recognizing confidence or lack thereof.

[Cardz82]

I believe TLR is referring(not very well stated though) that they are continuing to build Perez's confidence before throwing him into the closer fire. I actually have no problem with this. Normally, I like how TLR throws guys into the fire right off the bat, but closers are a completely different breed. They've gradually increased his role each time out it would seem and got him a taste of a 9th inning situation with a somewhat comfortable lead the other night. I would guess he's about one step away from getting the chance to close the door in a game.

[backstop]

Isn't TLR saying that he has confidence in Perez?

[ElviswasaBluesFan]

Isn't TLR saying that he has confidence in Perez?

I wasn't sure how to take it. Knowing TLR's track record with young pitchers (especially closers), I took it as a sign that TLR didn't have confidence in him just yet.

No big deal. I kind of like the fact he didn't throw him to the dogs right away.

[backstop]

I don't think he would ever say publicly that he lacked confidence in a guy, young or not.

[ElviswasaBluesFan]

I don't think he would ever say publicly that he lacked confidence in a guy, young or not.

good point. I never thought of that.

[Cardz82]

Isn't TLR saying that he has confidence in Perez?

I just re-read the whole article and I think you are right.

I think TLR is pointing out that they are showing confidence in him by increasing his role each time out there. Or something.

[007]

Would the Cards have interest in Ken Griffey, Jr.? (Strauss on 1380)

[ElviswasaBluesFan]

Would the Cards have interest in Ken Griffey, Jr.? (Strauss on 1380)

why? Ludwick is better than Griffey right now.

(I can't listen to the audio)

[RedBirdBrain]

Doesn't seem like it's a confidence problem from Perez. More to do with LaRussa's lack of confidence in a rookie?

Also, has it ever been reported how Izzy lacerated his hand? Did he punch a wall or something?

Supposedly he punched a TV after his last blown save. He then pitched in three more games before being DL'd.

Re: Chris Perez - I think it's a combination of wanting to ease a guy into a role (ie: no initiation by fire) and not wanting to 'disrespect' the veteran Franklin. You can take issue with that or not, but from my understanding of the situation, LaRussa feels pulling the veteran out of the closer role and handing it to an untested rookie, albeit a talented one, is disrespectful, especially since Franklin has yet to blow a save.

I know Perez is likely the more talented reliever, and has been a closer in the past, but I don't have a problem with easing him into the role in the Majors - Honestly, I think he's been handled extremely well. His first appearance was a lower-pressure non-save situation. Then he was put in a higher pressure non-save situation. Finally he was allowed to close a game in a non-save situation. The next step will be to allow him to save a game - I'm sure that will come before too long - next time there's two save opportunities in a row, Frank will take the first and Perez should take the second.

-RBB

[Schwahalala]

Jockety just brought up the phenom Bruce to play in the outfield.

Looks like Cory Patterson is the odd man out.

[backstop]

Jockety just brought up the phenom Bruce to play in the outfield.

Looks like Cory Patterson is the odd man out.

A .242(!) OBP out of the leadoff spot will do that for you.