Cardinals manager Tony La Russa announced Tuesday that Ryan Franklin, the team's closer since 2008, will be taken out of his role at least for the time being. Franklin has blown four of his five save opportunities and surrendered three home runs in his first 4 2/3 innings pitched in 2011. La Russa added that a concrete replacement for Franklin has not yet been determined.
"We're not sure what direction we're headed in yet," La Russa told the media in a temperamental tone. "Obviously Ryan's one of the best closers in this team's history, and he would probably make a fine President if elected, but I guess we need to go with another guy for now."
La Russa then muttered something about Franklin's struggles being center fielder Colby Rasmus' fault and mentioned that he had to return some video tapes. The Cardinal manager made this announcement with one of his eyes swollen shut, an ailment he attributes to an illness he picked up over the weekend.
"It's got nothing to do with this situation. No one punched me in the head, if that's what you're trying to imply," La Russa told reporters without having been asked.
La Russa added that Franklin took the move very well, and the he "probably wasn't going to dress in camouflage and fire shots at fans from the outfield."
The most likely candidate to get save opportunities in the interim is Mitchell Boggs, a starter-turned-reliever who relies on a mid-90s fastball and a slider to dispatch batters. Other possibilities include fireballer Jason Motte and rookie Eduardo Sanchez, who has struck out eight of the first 10 batters he has faced.
Boggs seemed optimistic that he would get the call if the opportunity presented itself.
"Yeah, I mean I really should, shouldn't I? I've been very dependable, and I know how to get guys to miss when we need to keep the ball out of play," Boggs said. "And if it's not me, we've got a few other guys who I know will get the job done better than Franky. He's terrible. It's really a miracle that he's made it this far tossing those wet gerbils up there for three years."
Motte also seemed to think the move was a good one, or at least reporters interpreted his statement that way.
"When the darkness descends over the moonlit plain, I will be there. My staff glows radiant under the force of the illumination. No mortal man could withstand the bloodshed brought forth by the running of the wolves."
While the move was taken well by all in the Cardinal clubhouse, not everyone sees the move as a positive change.
"Personally, I love what the guy does," Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp said. "I think he's outstanding, and I honestly wish we could play the Cardinals every day in one-run games. If it was up to me, Ryan Franklin wouldn't have to worry about his job one bit."
Only time will tell if the Cardinals made the right decision in lessening Franklin's role going forward. The team has yet to find itself in many close games, so it is possible that the team's new closer will not see action in the role for a while.
La Russa hinted that Franklin was likely to reclaim his closer position later in the season should things turn around for the 38 year-old.
"He'll be back where he belongs before long. Unless you guys want puppies pooping all over the infield all week, he'll be back."
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