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During most seasons, I would settle for knowing that the Cubs had the most reliable closer in the NL Central. Not so much this year. Phil Rodgers of the Chicago Tribune ran with a column yesterday proclaiming Kerry Wood the most "reliable" closer in the NL's Central division. I'm not convinced that's true, but his point was of course, relative.
Jason Isringhausen of the Cardinals leads the NL in blown saves with five. He also claims the league lead in saves, but don't go trying to compliment any St. Louis fans with that statistic. After blowing his latest save Friday night, Isringhausen said, "I'm pitching like a 2nd-grader."
Eric Gagne had to beg for Ned Yost to take him out of the closers role over the weekend after going 9-for-14 in save appearances and sporting a 6.89 ERA. He's on pace to also blow the most saves where his team still won the game. I doubt Brewers fans are impressed.
Jose Valverde is only 2-for-5 in save chances for the Houston Astros.
That leaves Kerry Wood who's pitched 19 inning so far this season and only blown three saves. Before the weekend where he picked up a save on Friday and Sunday he statistics looked considerably worse.
I think the new theme for the NL Central is "Can You Close Better Than A Second Grader?"
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