Is He a Good Pitcher or Izzy a Dud?

T.G.I.F.

T.G.I.S.W.T.B.

Oh, you haven't heard that one before? It stands for: Thank God Izzy Signed With Tampa Bay.

It was reported today that Jason Isringhausen signed a deal that takes him to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. It is a minor league deal, so he still has to prove to them that he can pitch to make the team. “I’m excited,” Isringhausen said. “I’ve still got to make the team. I just need to pitch, to show I can pitch.” Good luck.

Tampa is still sticking with Troy Percival as it's closer so if Isringhausen were to make the team, his role would more than likely be a set-up guy. In future news: Percival finishes season save-less after no leads make it past Izzy in the 8th.

The Cardinals must have a deal with Tampa to use them as their dumping ground. Tampa has signed two Cardinals castoffs within the last week; Adam Kennedy and Isringhausen. They have shown an interest in ex-Redbirds in the past. They have signed Troy Percival, John Rodriguez, Al Reyes and Tino Martinez directly after their time in St. Louis in addition to Izzy and Kennedy.

I was worried when I heard a few days back the front office was considering giving Izzy another chance in 2009. How quickly we forget. Do you remember the league leading blown saves last year, Mozeliak?

Why would you even consider giving him another chance? Because he's cheap? If thats all your looking for, try me. I'll charge you a whole lot less than Izzy will with very similar results. If I remember correctly, I closed one game in little league. We were up 8-3 when I took the hill. It was all a blur until the third out of the inning was made with a base runner trying to steal second. Final score: We win 8-7. I just wanted to make it closer so I could get the save. For my career I have a 100% save percentage (ERA is irrelevant). I'll be awaiting your call J-Mo.

I will sleep better at night now knowing that the Cardinals can't sign Izzy. Isringhausen is the type of player the Cardinals would show interest in if he hadn't been with us last year. A pitcher coming off an injury filled, disappointing season that has shown dominance in the past and can be had at an extreme discount.

Better off have him as far away from St. Louis he can be.

Thats all for today. Have a great weekend.