Hang on sloopy, sloopy hang on. Hang on sloopy, sloopy hang on. -The McCoys
Public Service Announcement: Ok, here we go! There was a time when Jason Isringhausen was one of, if not the best, closers in baseball. After Izzy’s signing with the Cardinals before the 2002 season, St. Louis won the Central Division four out of five years. They made it to World Series in two of those years. Won it all in ’06. Izzy was one of the major reasons for that success. Izzy had a league-leading forty-seven saves in 2004 and had a second-best 2.14 ERA in 2005. On top world of the world looking down on creation.
Oh how the mighty have fallen. In the days of HGH, Izzy might be in better shape. His thirty-six year-old body maybe holding up a little better. He may even still be dominant. These aren’t the days HGH. Now he’s doing everything he can just to save his job. According to the St. Petersburg Times, “After meeting with Rays officials in Port Charlotte this morning, Jason Isringhausen indicated the team was trying to find a way to keep him.”
“Trying to find a way to keep him.” That’s not very encouraging. Not surprising either. The writing was on the wall back in ’06. Back in ’06 when Isringhausen had to miss the entire 2006 playoffs due to a hip injury. He did manage thirty-three saves that season. He also managed ten blown saves that season. He also managed to lose his luster that season. Lost his luster and allowed rookie Adam Wainwright to become the Red Birds’ closer for the playoffs and lead them Cardinals to their 10th World Series Championship.
Izzy got another shot in 2007. Got another shot and took full advantage in 2007. Took full advantage and responded by notching career numbers in 2007. He posted a 4-0 record. He posted a 2.48 ERA. He posted thirty-two saves while walking only twenty-eight and striking out fifty-four. Batters hit just .179 against him. Yowza! Then came elbow tendonitis. Then came a torn tendon. Then came the end of the line for Izzy in St. Louis. This just may be the end for Izzy in Tampa as well.
Public Spectacle:
Peace out homies. Six two and Even!
Need More? Jason Isringhausen,MLB,Tampa Bay Rays
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You caught my interest with the title. I'm thinking "Izzy" what is he talking about? Then I come to find that you're talking about baseball, worse yet, the National League. Letdown City.