After a wildly inconsistent 2006 season that ended early because of hip surgery, Jason Isringhausen is reportedly throwing without discomfort according to the Post-Dispatch:
Isringhausen threw 20 pitches without discomfort before laying out a schedule that would have him ready for the defending world champions’ season opener April 1.
That’s good news on two fronts:
- A pain-free Izzy is an effective Izzy. His pitching woes last season are attributable to his degenerative hip.
- With Izzy re-assuming the closer’s role, Adam Wainwright’s move to the rotation is solidified. I’d much rather have 180-plus good innings from Wainwright than just 70 great innings.
What should be mildly concerning to Cardinals fans, though, is what Izzy said the doctor told him:
The doctor said this could give me another four years.
We all love Isringhausen, but I’m not sure we have the collective stomach to sweat through possibly four more years’ worth of ninth innings from him.
Fortunately, help is on the way. The optimistic sort might hope that Chris Perez, whom Baseball America ranks as the team’s No. 3 prospect, is on the fast track to the big club.
He more or less dominated the low-A Midwest League in 2006, his first pro season. He should start this season at High-A Palm Beach, and if he can bring his walk rate under control (especially vs. lefties) he’s going to tear through the minor leagues.
The Cardinals hold an $8 million option (or a $1.25M buyout) for 2008 on Isringhausen. If he does well closing this season, he’ll be back with Perez possibly setting up for him.
Of course, the really wishful thinkers among us might hope for a September call-up for Perez this season and him taking over the closer’s role full time in 2008.
