With Izzy stinking up the joint and Duncan/LaRussa's inability to
correct those types of problems in an individual, the Cardinals need
to find alternative solutions to the closer position.
The ideal defense against a blown save is a complete game. These days
complete games are rare and tryiing to force one might wear out a
starter.
The "bullpen by committee" strategy has worked in the past, but it
takes an excellent manager to pick the proper relievers. LaRussa is
no Herzog.
With the supposed "problem of too many starters", the best solution
seems to be putting a starter in the bullpen. Looper? Wainwright did
great as a reliever in 2006, but that would be wasting his fine
ability as a starter. One thing is certain, we don't have to worry
about Mulder taking away a starting position, as Mulder is done.
