September 9, 2008 After Chris Perez had blown his last two save opportunites, Tony LaRussa inserted Perez into the ninth inning in a tie game with a runner atPerez first base. Perez induced a double play and finished the ninth with only nine pitches, and got the win.
Our View:We would recommend to stay away from anybody in the Cards pen due to the roles changing day by day.
September 6, 2008 After blowing two consecutive saves, Chris Perez was bypassed in the role on Saturday. Ryan Franklin was used instead and he earned his 15th save of the season.
Our View:As has been the case all season, the Cardinals' bullpen is a mess and difficult to predict. Perez may be in danger of losing some opportunities.
September 5, 2008 Chris Perez blew his second consecutive save on Friday win he gave up a ninth inning home run to Mike Jacobs. It was the Cardinals league-leading 30th blown save of the season.
Our View:Perez appeared to be the answer when he started closing games in August but this might be cause for some concern. Unfortunately, the Cardinals don't have too many pitchers that they can turn to, although Chris Carpenter will be pitching out of the bullpen for the remainder of the season.
September 3, 2008 Chris Perez surrendered the Cardinals lead in the bottom of the ninth, as the Diamond Backs rallied and scored twice winning 4-3 Wednesday.
Our View:Perez should remain the closer as the Cardinals lack bullpen depth.
August 28, 2008 Chris Perez has become the second rookie right hander to take over closing duties down the stretch, the other was Adam Wainwright, and he has done a marvelous job so far even if he hasn't officially been named the closer, according to MLB.com. "I'm in there in the ninth with the game on the line. That's pretty much what a closer does. It doesn't matter to me if [manager Tony La Russa] comes out and says it or not."
Our View:Perez has more than a K per inning (34 in 33), though he could stand to reduce his 4.64 BB/9 mark. Still, he has done a solid job converting 6-of-8 chances so far and appears the favorite to continue to pick up saves in the Cards pen.
