Izzy Finished?

Cardinals are appalled at Jason Isringhausen's 10th blown save of the year. Yes, the Cards haven't been good in any aspect this year. But 10 extra wins could have made them somewhat respectable.

Cardinals fans have seen their nightmare come true. Even since Izzy joined the Cards in 2001 he has been a liability. He has saved games in Dennis Eckersley fashion -- load the bases with nobody out, then worry about registering O's.

For years, he couldn't get a 1-2-3 save. It was always a nail bitter when he'd come in. He'd get the job -- but he'd make it interesting as hell.

This year Izzy hasn't struggled -- he's been exposed. Namely his curve ball. When that bad boy isn't on it's hanging right over the plate. Batters have been feasting on it all season.

You can say "throw him out to the sharks." But it's too late in the season. The Cards must use him in the playoffs. The truth is there are just a handful of dependable closers in baseball. It's not because baseball is in bad shape. The true reason -- being a closer is a tough job.

Isringhausen hasn't been good this year -- yet he remains one of the top closers in baseball. It's simply cause there aren't many to go around.