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| The St. Louis Cardinals have removed Eduardo Sanchez as the team's primary closer. So who will Dave Duncan turn to now to close out the ninth inning? - Getty Images Photo |
And it turns out that our pondering was warranted.
Yesterday, pitching coach Dave Duncan told the media that Sanchez would be removed from the ninth inning role and be put in other positions to be successful in the bullpen. Duncan cited a drop in velocity and a high pitch count in recent outings among the reasoning behind the move.
"If you look at what he did and how he pitched before we put him in the role he's in now, he was really an effective pitcher," Duncan said. "So it may best serve him and us to kind of put him back into that type of situation for the time being."
Sanchez has converted four out of five of his save opportunities this season, posting a 3.00 ERA in 13 appearances, including a 1-1 record.
So who do the Cardinals turn to now to take on what has become the "Ninth Inning Circus Brought To You By The Cardinals Bullpen?"
Most likely Duncan will turn to Mitchell Boggs. Boggs was given the first shot at the closer's role earlier this season after the team had removed embattled reliever Ryan Franklin. Boggs converted his first three save opportunities before blowing a save in Houston and promptly being removed from the role.
But don't rule out Fernando Salas, who has easily been the most reliable member of the Cardinals bullpen. Salas has converted three saves of his own this season and seems to be unphased by any situation he is put in.
Either way, let the ninth inning circus continue for the St. Louis Cardinals.
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They traded a very good closer in Chris Perez to the Indians!!!!!
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