Overuse + Age = 2008 Izzy
by palampe on May 16, 2008 10:47 AM EDT
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PrintQuick math to support the idea that Izzy's problem is fatigue: Over his career, he has appeared in an average of 62 per 162 games and appeared in a career high of 74 games in one season (2004) (baseballreferenc.com). With 26% of the 2008 season played, he is being used on a pace to appear in 79 games. Factor in the unqualifiable yet common sense factors of age and known medical history and it plays out that too much has been asked of Izzy this season.
It is reasonable to presume that his performance has been affected by overuse. The Cardinals need another bullpen operative to close games or need to have the starters go deeper into games or score more runs to eliminate save situations in order to have Izzy available and effective (in an ideal world, at least two of those three!). Izzy's epic fall has its root cause in a flawed team that has relied far too much on the arm of one formerly dominant pitcher.
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Personally.....
I don’t think overuse has anything to do with it. I think it’s age, and possibly some kind of injury, but probably just age. It happens. Sucks it happened this year, but better in a rebuilding year than otherwise, I guess.
Well whatever it is.....
Overuse, Age or injury the Cards have got to do something. Put him on the DL bring up Perez or Thompson but they have got to do something. Sitting and waiting is not an option. This is a relativly young team and having thier psyche destoyed every fourth game by a washed up or injured closer is not goint to help. Yes they leave alot of guys on base but thier still in the lead when they bring Izzy in. Time to do something and now.
BOOOOOO Izzy...yeah I said it. BOOOO Izzy
What's the penalty for a fake injury trip to the DL?
“Lacerated hand” a week ago, then 3 bad performances, and all of a sudden on the DL?
I aint buying that.
Our leadoff hitter is batting something like .100 this month. He nicked himself shaving this morning. Can we put him on the DL?
An Astros fan
There is a bright side to the '08 season.
Barry Bonds & Roger Clemens are out of baseball.
Maybe the Astros and Brewers will follow suit
“Punch a TV” day at the ballpark, only for eligible closing pitchers on NL Central teams.
Rasmus or bust.
I second the vote for age as the root cause
of Izzy’s struggles. I always viewed Izzy as one of the most impressive physical specimens in baseball. The guy is incredibly huge.
Nevertheless, the first time I saw a Cards game this year I mentioned to my buddies that Izzy looked old. His tree trunk legs looked smaller and he had a little bit of a paunch that I hadn’t noticed before. I think I posted something brief about it, but he was succeeding so I got no seconds on the thought.
I think the overuse thing is legit and has exacerbated the problem, but Izzy just doesn’t seem like his robust former self. I think he will require more rest than previously and it would be nice to see someone else, preferably a lefthander, share the load. I wonder what it would take to get Fuentes away from the Rockies?
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
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