Jason Isringhausen Out as St. Louis Closer - FANTASY IMPACT

After blowing his fifth save chance on the season Friday night, Cardinal's closer Janson Isringhausen was removed from the closers role by manager Tony La Russa. Earlier this season I heard Brewer's radio voice, Bob Ueker refer to Izzy as having "Hall of Fame numbers," making his struggles and removal from the closers role all the more surprising. It is kind of ironic that in a season where he is actually healthy that he is struggling the most, after seemingly battling injuries and maintaining his stuff and role for so long.

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Right now La Russa has tagged Ryan Franklin and Russ Springer as the the main names to get saves, but also said he wouldn't hesitate to use a left hander when the situation called for it. This is probably a case where La Russa tries to get Izzy right by using him in less demanding situations first so he can rebuild his confidence and get back that edge that made a dominant closer for so long. Keep Izzy in all leagues, and certainly look up Franklin and Springer if they are available and you are hard up for saves. I expect Franklin to get the majority of the opportunities at first, but he also might handicap himself by being so useful as a set up man, so don't be surprised if the veteran Springer gets some calls as well.