Cardinals’ relief ace Franklin to get some rest
CINCINNATI _ If St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin hasn’t impressed the All-Star selectors enough already, he won’t have any more chances to do so. Franklin, who has 20 saves in 21 opportunities, has pitched three days in a row and manager Tony La Russa said, “The next time you’ll see him will be Tuesday.”
That day will be the start of a three-game series in Milwaukee. The selections for the July 14 All-Star Game in St. Louis will be made on Sunday.
Franklin, whose only blown save came here on May 10, struggled through the ninth inning here on Friday, walking two hitters to fill the bases before fanning Cincinnati’s Brandon Phillips for his 20th save.
In 17 appearances at Great American Ball Park, Franklin has a 4.79 earned run average and has given up four home runs in 20 2/3 innings.
“There’s something about this team and this place. . . it’s tough to get outs,” said Franklln.
La Russa held out the possibility he could use Franklin for an out or two on Sunday, but doubted it. Jason Motte is the most likely closer for the next two days although late-inning situations could dictate otherwise.
//
(4 votes, average: 4.25 out of 5)
Loading ...
At some point it has to be asked of Tony, why? Why Duncan, not Ludwick? Why have four guys in the lineup who are 0 for their last 52? What could Mo get for Duncan in a straight up trade? Ankiel can play his position, Duncan can not. He struck out looking…again…with runners in scoring position. This has happened time and time again in May, June and now July. Who is he to beef with an umpire, he is 0 for clutch this year, I do not know the numbers, but given the same number of at bats Stavinoha would be light years ahead of Duncan in rbis. This team needs runs, with 0 for 32 in the 2 spots behind Pujols, it is understandable that Thompson comes into the game with the yips. Sit Duncan and Thurston, maybe DFA.
I can’t stand watching Dunc anymore. Tony you gave him his chance after surgery and he has not produced. I am finally on board w/the nepitism remarks. Stavinoa could do a better job and play defense. Please tony send Dunc down. I would rather have see luddy, stav and rasmus as the everyday deal. Hope derosa comes back soon so we can get thurston to take a trip to memphis also. Great guys but we need a lineup that has a chance for wins!
There is a reason why Thurston is a career minor league player, and everyone sees it but LaRussa. He is terrible in the field, has made 5 costly base running mistakes, and showed his true professionalism by throwing Oquendo under the bus last week.
Duncan and Ankiel are even worse. Chris Duncan is not a starter for a playoff team, period. It is either strikeout or bounce out to first base and double play. Ankiel must be baby Jesus in Tony’s eyes, but in reality he was is a decent hitting pitcher, it’s just too bad he can’t pitch. That makes him useless.
The sad thing is these clowns are taking the at bats away from Ludwick and Rasmus.