Some of you may have heard today that the Cardinals have put Izzy on the DL for the second time this season. He has what appears to be a torn flexor tendon in his pitching elbow. It's unclear how long he has had this injury, and it may go some way towards explaining his woeful performance this year. Izzy is done for the rest of this year, and at age 37, his career is likely over as well. He's had several major injuries in the past, and I just don't see him trying to come back from another one. Though I've taken plenty of shots at Izzy this year, he has certainly been a great player for us in the past, and it's tough to see him go out on such a down note. Certainly, he always made save situations a little too exciting, but before this season, he converted a very high percentage of them and sowed-up a lot of wins for us. Even if he does decide to opt for surgery and a lengthy rehab period, the chances of seeing him again in a Cardinals uniform again are probably slim. Chris Perez seems to be the closer of the future, and if he doesn't work out in the long term, the Cards have several other promising closers in the minor leagues. Izzy is a free agent after this season, so if he doesn't retire, it's likely he'll be playing for someone else next year or whenever he is able to make it back. Izzy's career can probably be summed-up by that famous first line in Tale of Two Cities: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Here's hoping you have only have good times ahead, whatever you may do in the future Izzy.
-Trey
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