|
|
| Ryan Franklin's struggles continue. He blew his fifth save of the season with a run in the ninth inning of Saturday's 2-1 win over the Cubs. |
Our View: Franklin denied Chris Carpenter his 17th win of the season, but was bailed out by a walk-off hit by Brendan Ryan that actually gave him his fourth win in relief this year. He has now blown his last three save opportunities in a row after being nearly unhittable most of the season.
|
|
|
|
| According to MLBlogs.com, Cardinals' closer Ryan Franklin will get the next few days off. Franklin acknowledged that he has been struggling with the command as of late, and manager Tony La Russa said he might be off the entire series against the Brewers. |
Our View: Franklin hasn't exactly been terrible lately, but he definitely isn't as sharp as we have come to expect. Fantasy owners will have to find another source of saves over the next 3-to-4 days.
|
|
|
|
| Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting on his Twitter page that the Cardinals have agreed to a contract extension with closer Ryan Franklin. The deal is expected to keep Franklin in St. Louis through the 2011 season. |
Our View: The two sides have been close to the extension all week, and it just got finalized today. No word on how much Franklin will make, but it will be an increase over the $2.75 million he was scheduled to make next season. He has certainly earned it, and the Cards did well to get it done.
|
|
|
|
| MLB.com is reporting that the Cardinals are close to an extension with closer Ryan Franklin. The extension is expected to cover his $2.75 million for next season plus add another season at an unknown price. |
Our View: The team is expected to announce the extension this weekend, so it sounds like it is pretty much done. Franklin has been one of the major surprises in the league this season, and the Cards feel like they want him to be the closer for at least a few more years.
|
|
|
|
| According to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, Ryan Franklin will not be available for Thursday's series finale against the Astros. |
Our View: Franklin has three saves in the last three games and his golden arm needs a well deserved rest. If a save opportunity arises it would likely be handled by Trevor Miller, Blake Hawksworth or Kyle McClellan, or a combination of the three. Franklin leads the NL with his 34 saves.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin allowed his first runs since May 21 on Wednesday, taking a blown save and the loss, as Houston beat St. Louis 4-3. |
Our View: His ERA is still a miniscule 1.25, and Wednesday can really be chalked up to nothing more than he was due.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin allowed only one baserunner in 1.1 innings on Sunday to pick up his 22nd save of the season. Franklin walked one and struck out one in his four-out performance. |
Our View: Franklin has his ERA down to 0.76, which is outstanding, especially for a closer. He has been pretty much untouchable this season, and anyone who doubted his selection to the All-Star team needs to look at his numbers on the season.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin struck out the side in a perfect ninth inning of a 4-2 win at Wrigley Field for his 21st save of the season. |
Our View: Franklin has been nearly untouchable this season. He has allowed exactly three earned runs in his 34 innings pitched. He's 2-0 and has only failed to convert one save this season (in a game which he later earned the win) and has a sparkling 0.79 ERA. He's turned out to be one of the biggest fantasy surprises of the season.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin was named to his first All-Star team on Sunday. |
Our View: The 36-year-old Franklin is a former starter who has really made a name for himself as the Cardinals closer in 2009. Through 32 innings pitched, he has a gaudy 0.84 ERA to go along with an identical minuscule WHIP. He has saved 20 games while blowing just one.
|
|
|
|
| MLBlogs.com is reporting that Cardinals' closer Ryan Franklin could be available to pitch Sunday if he is needed. It was thought that Franklin would be unavailable all weekend after pitching in three straight games earlier in the week. |
Our View: Manager Tony La Russa told the media that he would like to give Franklin another day off, but that he would use him if he was needed to win the game. If there is a one-run save situation today, look for Franklin to come in. If not, he will probably sit again.
|
|
|
|
| According to MLB.com, Cardinals' closer Ryan Franklin is unavailable for Saturday's game against the Reds. Franklin has pitched in three consecutive games, and he may get the rest of the weekend off. |
Our View: Franklin is hoping to hear his name called for the NL All-Star team, but it doesn't look like he will get a chance to pitch again before the team is announced. Fantasy owners shouldn't expect to see him this weekend unless the Cards are desperate for a save.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin was perfect in picking up his 19th save on Thursday night, and now has a sparkling .87 ERA and .77 WHIP in 32 innings this season. |
Our View: Franklin has made a strong case to be named to his first All-Star team in 2009, and has helped solidify the back-end of a Cardinals bullpen that got routinely battered in 2008.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin nailed down his 15th save of the season in Saturday's 3-1 win at Cleveland, as he allowed two hits with one strikeout over a scoreless inning. |
Our View: Franklin is a perfect 3-for-3 on save chances in June, and has not allowed a run over his last seven appearances. He should remain active in fantasy lineups.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin nailed down his 14th save of the season in Thursday's 6-5 win at Florida. He allowed three hits over 1.2 innings, with no walks and one strikeout. |
Our View: Franklin has only blown one save opportunity so far, and is 2-for-2 so far in June. He has not allowed an earned run over his last six appearances, and shall remain penciled into fantasy lineups.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin made it look easy on Thursday. The closer came in with two outs in the ninth and after three picthes, got Milton Bradley to fly out to end the game. He earned his 11th save in the Cardinals' 3-1 win over the Cubs. |
Our View: Franklin was shaky in his two prior outings and didn't really have a chance to show if he was still struggling in this abbreviated outing. Overall though he has been very good this season and the Cards feel comfortable with him on the mound in the ninth. Don't expect him to lose his job, barring an Ankiel-esque meltdown.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin allowed his first earned runs of the season and subsequently blew his first save of the year as the Cardinals defeated the Reds 8-7 in 10 innings on Sunday. He allowed a two-out, game-tying home run to pinch-hitter Micah Owings in the ninth inning. However, the Cardinals rallied and Franklin picked up his first win of the season. |
Our View: Franklin allowed four base runners and two home runs in 1.1 innings of work today. Don't expect this blemish to affect him going forward. He will remain the Cards closer.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin threw a perfect ninth inning and picked up his eighth save of the season as St. Louis beat Pittsburgh 4-2 on Wednesday. |
Our View: Franklin has not given up a run in 12.1 innings of work, and he clearly looks like he has what it takes to be a closer. He has allowed only six base runners all season.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin worked the final four outs in St. Louis' 5-3 win over the Braves on Wednesday. He threw 11 of 12 pitches for strikes and allowed just one hit. |
Our View: Franklin simply pounds the strike zone when he is on the mound, yet he's only allowed four hits in 10.1 innings of work this season. He has yet to allow a run and has emerged as the unquestioned closer for the Cardinals.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin was called upon in the ninth inning again on Friday, and once again, he delivered. He pitched a scoreless ninth and struck out two, earning his fifth save in the Cardinals' 4-3 win over the Cubs. |
Our View: Tony LaRussa still won't officially name Franklin the closer, but he looks to be the man for the job. He is a perfect five for five this season and has yet to allow an earned run in eight innings. He was dominant for a stretch last season as well, but then collapsed, so be sure to keep an eye on him down the road.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin notched his fourth save of the season while using only three pitches to get the last out of the Cardinals 5-2 win on Wednesday. |
Our View: Dennys Reyes got the other two outs in the ninth inning but he was lifted as the right-handed hitting Gary Sheffield came to the plate. Franklin has yet to allow a run in seven innings this season. He has allowed only four base runners and should keep a hold on the closer's job barring self-destruction.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin pitched a perfect ninth inning as the Cardinals beat the Mets 6-4 on Tuesday. He did not allow a base runner and recorded one strike out. |
Our View: Franklin appears to be the man in St. Louis when it comes to save opportunities. He has not allowed a run in 6.2 innings and now has three saves on the season.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin pitched a perfect ninth inning with two strikeouts against the Cubs on Thursday to convert his second straight save. |
Our View: That makes two consecutive save opportunities that have gone Franklin's way in St. Louis. Franklin is clearly the guy you want for saves from the Cardinals if you have to pick one of the relievers, although that's not to say Jason Motte, Chris Perez or even Kyle McClellan are out of the mix for future opportunities. For now, just hope that Franklin can continue to get the call and convert when he does.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin became the third Cardinals reliever to record a save as St. Louis beat Arizona 2-1 on Monday. He allowed only one base runner while collecting three ninth inning outs. |
Our View: The Cardinals are clearly using a closer-by-committee approach to start the season and so far it appears to be working. The result will likely be moderate fantasy value for a number of their bullpen options.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin had his worst outing of the spring on Thursday as the Cardinals defeated the Rays 9-7. The reliever gave up three hits, including a home run, and two earned runs in his only inning of work. |
Our View: Franklin is battling for the closer's role in St. Louis so each of his outings deserve your attention. The Cardinals used Jason Motte for the final four outs on Thursday, and Franklin is likely trailing Motte for the job at this point of the spring. However, anything could happen prior to opening day.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin is still in the competition for the closer's role with the Cardinals, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He is battling Chris Perez and Jason Motte. |
Our View: Skipper Tony LaRussa feels that Franklin is more qualified than Perez or Motte for the job, and Franklin has been impressive so far in spring camp. He has struck out six batters without issuing a walk in his five combined innings. Franklin may not be a solid fantasy option if he wins the job however, as his potentially high WHIP and low strikeout totals would leave a bit to be desired.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin will not be representing Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He said, "My commitment is to the Cardinals," Franklin said. "It is an honor to be asked. But I have played in the Olympics before (the U.S. gold-medal-winning team in 2000). The smart move is to stay here."
|
Our View: Chris Perez and Jason Motte are the top contenders for the closer's job in St. Louis, but Franklin could earn a role as a setup man.
|
|
|
|
| Pitching coach Dave Duncan said the Cardinals closer's role will likely be filled by a committee at the start of the season and Ryan Franklin is still in the mix, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. |
Our View: Chris Perez and Jason Motte are believed to be the top candidates for the closer's job, but Franklin looks to get a fair shot, along with Trever Miller. Franklin nailed down 17 saves in 2008, but held a 1.47 WHIP.
|
|
|
|
| A night after earning a loss against the Marlins, Ryan Franklin was called upon for the save on Saturday and he came through. |
Our View: The Cardinals regular closer, Chris Perez, has blown his last two opportunities and it's unknown who Tony LaRussa intends on using in this role for the remainder of the season.
|
|
|
|
| The Cardinals bullpen suffered another beat down on Friday as Ryan Franklin picked up his fifth loss after allowing a run to the Cubs in the 11th inning without recording an out. |
Our View: Franklin worked a scoreless 10th, but couldn't get it done in the 11th. His last eight appearances have resulted in three loses and three blown saves. He is a mess right now.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin stumbled again on Monday night. The closer notched the final out in the ninth, but he allowed four hits and three runs (two earned) in the 10th frame against the Brewers. Franklin has served up eight runs over his last seven innings. |
Our View: The Cards have talked about working Jason Isringhausen back into the closer mix, but Izzy hasn't been sharp. Tony La Russa might have to figure out a different solution if things continue going this way.
|
|
|
|
| The Cardinals report Ryan Franklin will continue as the primary closer, but the team has desires to slowly reintroduce Jason Isringhausen into that mix as well, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: The entire relief strategy is a work in progress as the Cardinals attempt to solidify the best mix. Franklin entered the eighth inning of a tie game at home on Saturday, indicating that perhaps Jason Isringhausen would have been the pitcher with a lead in the ninth. Isringhausen did not appear in Tuesday night's game, however, with Kyle McClellan handling setup duties for Franklin. Isringhausen was placed on the disabled list after a lengthy and deep slump, but since his return to active duty he's pitched very well. It's still considered a matter of time before he is reinstated to his former job. La Russa said Wednesday that while Franklin is the primary ninth-inning pitcher for now, it's not quite as certain as it was a couple of weeks ago.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin earned save number 12 on Tuesday in Philadelphia. |
Our View: Despite a healthy Jason Isringhausen and some rough outings lately, it appears Tony La Russa will stay with Ryan Franklin in the closer's role...for now.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin allowed an extra inning walk-off home run to Elijah Dukes on Thursday night to pick up his second loss and third blown save. |
Our View: Franklin has now allowed four runs over his last four outings. Luckily for him Jason Isringhausen is nowhere to be found, or Franklin might be on thin ice. He might still be.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin made the ninth inning of the Cardinals 34th victory of the season exciting. Something that is becoming routine for the right-hander. Franklin got three outs for his sixth save in eight attempts, but not before he gave up a single and double with two outs before retiring Doug Mientkiewicz on a fly to left. |
Our View: Franklin isn't the best ninth inning option for the Cardinals at this point, Chris Perez is better suited for the the role. But unitl Jason Isringhausen returns from the disabled list manager Tony LaRussa feels more comfortable with veteran Franklin closing.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin and Russ Springer are going to share the closer's role as the struggling Jason Isringhausen has been pulled from the job, according to the AP. Manager Tony LaRussa said, "We’ll mix and match. I think all things, everyone rested, Franklin and Springer are the guys that match up the best. Franklin gets righties and lefties out, he’s very quick off the mound, so he’s tough to run on. He gives you a lot as a guy that’s pitching important innings in games."
|
Our View: Isringhausen blew five saves, but still racked up 11, meaning whoever holds the closer's role in St. Louis will have a chance to be productive and hold solid fantasy value if effective. As of now, it appears that LaRussa favors Franklin for the role, although Springer will get a fair shot.
|
|
|
|
| The Cardinals could use some arms for their banged up rotation, but former starter Ryan Franklin won't be moving out of the bullpen. "A major strength of us [in 2007] was our bullpen," manager Tony La Russa said on MLB.com. "And I don't think messing with that bullpen, when you're going to have to fill it with somebody else that does Franklin's job, [is wise]. I don't know that we have that person." Franklin has made 106 starts in his career but spent all of last year in the pen for St. Louis and excelled, posting a 3.04 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in 80 innings. He could be the first one to step in and close for the Cards if something happens to Jason Isringhausen, which makes him worth owning in NL-only leagues. |
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Cardinals on Thursday. Financial terms were not released, though the contract does have a team option for 2010, according to the AP. Franklin has had a fine season, posting a 1.29 ERA and 0.83 WHIP, though his strikeout rate of 3.43 leaves him off the radar in many leagues. |
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin rejoined the Cardinals on Friday and should be available for Saturday's game, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He was out for a couple of games due to strep throat. |
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin has contracted strep throat and was not at the ballpark on Wednesday, according to the AP. Manager Tony La Russa had no estimate when Franklin would return. |
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin picked up the win for the Cardinals Wednesday, getting the final out in the eighth and three outs in the ninth after the team got the lead in the top of the inning. Jason Isringhausen was given the day off after recording saves the previous two nights. Franklin appears to be the primary right-handed setup man for the Cards, meaning he could be the one to at least initially step in should Izzy's hip problems resurface. |
|
|
|
| Ryan Franklin will pitch out of the bullpen for the final two weeks of the spring, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Franklin and Brad Thompson were competing for spots in the rotation but apparently have been beaten out; the team will begin the year with Chris Carpenter, Kip Wells, Adam Wainwright, Anthony Reyes and Braden Looper in the rotation. |
|
|
|
| Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that the Cardinals have agreed to a deal with Ryan Franklin. Franklin held a 4.54 ERA in 66 relief appearances for the Phillies and Reds in '06. He could be used at the end of the rotation until Mark Mulder is fully recovered from shoulder surgery. |
|
|
|
| If Chris Michalak is unable to make Wednesday's start, Ryan Franklin could get a spot start, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Franklin has been used strictly out of the bullpen this year, holding a 4.41 ERA in 53 appearances for the Phillies and Reds, but he has been a starter at times in the past. |
|
|
|
| The Reds acquired Ryan Franklin from the Phillies Monday for a player to be named, according to the AP. Franklin had been designated for assignment by the Phillies on July 30 after going 1-5 with a 4.58 ERA in 46 relief appearances. He should work in long relief for Cincinnati. |
|
|
|
| The Phillies designated Ryan Franklin for assignment Sunday, according to the AP. The team has 10 days to trade, release or send Franklin outright to the minors. He posted a 4.58 ERA in 46 games this year. |
|
