Next 14 games important for Central race

[ramfandan]

Starting tonight the Cardinals will play 11 games vs. N.L. Central foes in the next 14 games ..
4 with Brewers , 3 with Reds, and 4 with Cubs sandwiched between the Brewers and Reds will be the White Sox for 3 games.
After the upcoming two weeks , we may have a clearer idea if the Cardinals are contenders or pretenders within the division

[Lloyd Braun]

Starting tonight the Cardinals will play 11 games vs. N.L. Central foes in the next 14 games ..
4 with Brewers , 3 with Reds, and 4 with Cubs sandwiched between the Brewers and Reds will be the White Sox for 3 games.
After the upcoming two weeks , we may have a clearer idea if the Cardinals are contenders or pretenders within the division

Exactly. Homestand sucked, but 162 game seasons are going to be filled with ups and downs.
If they respond with a great couple of weeks... it'll signal they're gonna try and fight till the end.

I think we need to replace Helsley as closer (maybe) for that to happen. It's gotta be deflating when the offense and other pitchers do well enough to get us to the 9th with a lead, only for the closer to blow all the hard work. Even if we win in extra innings... the extended game uses up other pitchers and harms the staff for the following games.

In 2006, Izzy blew 10 saves in a little over 5 months. Izzy had 3.55 ERA, 10 blown saves and a 1.457 WHIP. His Save pct was 77%/ We would never won the WS with Izzy as closer. Good chance we would have missed out on the playoffs altogether.

Helsley has 5 blown saves in just 2.5 months. A 3.75 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP. His save pct is 72% He's worse than Izzy's awful 2006 by almost every important metric.

Maton has more than earned the opportunity.