Jason Isringhausen

2013

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2012

Isringhausen, a former member of Generation-K for the Mets in the mid-1990s, proved you can go home again, having a solid season in New York at age 39. Izzy was called up shortly after the season started and pitched as both a setup man and closer, notching career save No. 300. He was brilliant during the first four months of the season, before wearing down late as a poor K:BB and high walk rate finally caught up to him. Isringhausen was ultimately shut down due to a herniated disc in his lower back, which led many to believe he would opt for retirement. Instead, he's making a run at earning a roster spot with the Angels during spring training after signing a minor league deal.

2009

Isringhausen had the worst season of his career, finishing with a 5.70 ERA and 1.64 WHIP and finally having surgery on his elbow in September. He blew nine saves and finished the season seven saves shy of 300. He hopes to return this year, but it won't be with the Cards. This could be the end.

2008

Isringhausen followed up the worst season of his career with one of his best, finishing 2007 with 32 saves and a 2.48 ERA. Unfortunately he wore down late in the season, and he still doesn't have the K/BB mark of an elite closer. After posting a K/BB of 3.22, 3.78, 2.28, and 3.09 from 2001-2004, his last three years have declined to 1.89, 1.37, and 1.93. He may save 30 games again in 2008, but he's not among the elite closers.

2007

Isringhausen blew a league-leading 10 saves last year before shutting it down in September to have surgery on his degenerative hip. There were some rumblings that the hip injury was career-threatening, but all indications are that he is expected to close for St. Louis in 2007. Whether he will be effective is anyone’s guess. His hit and strikeout rates were among the worst in his career as a closer, and his 38 walks and 10 home runs in 58.1 IP were major warning signs that his run as a strong closer could be coming to an end.

2006

Isringhausen was solid once again in 2005. He'll be at the end of the Cardinals' bullpen once again in 2006, and you can expect him to post similar numbers.

2005

Isringhausen saved a career-high 47 games despite persistent pain in his shoulder and hip. He wasn't perfect, giving Cardinal fans pause with a Game 5 loss and a Game 6 blown save against Houston in the NLCS. He blamed some of his problems on poor mechanics caused by shoulder woes. He had successful surgery on the hip in November and will have fully rehabbed the shoulder in time to start the 2005 season. A healthy Isringhausen could be a scary sight as the Cardinals closer.

2004

Isringhausen was babied through 2003 after returning from elbow surgery. Given manager Tony La Russa's usage patterns and the questions about Izzy's elbow, it might be a good idea to drop the Cards' closer down a few notches. He may "only" get 25-30 saves and pitch 55-60 innings.

2003

Isringhausen had the best season of his career in 2002, posting a 2.48 ERA and 68 strikeouts in just 65 1/3 innings. Isringhausen gave up 46 hits and 18 walks while saving 32 games. But shoulder and elbow stiffness limited Isringhausen last season, and he went under the knife last October to fixed a torn labrum. He's expected to begin the season on the DL, and even when he does return, he may not be able to pitch back-to-back games. Tread carefully here, though keep in mind that when Isringhausen is healthy, he's a top-10 closer.