A Wing and A Prayer

Actually, it is more like a Leg and A Prayer: Izzy throws from mound, reports no discomfort

Cardinals pitchers and catchers aren’t due to report for another week, but the first significant pitch of spring may have been thrown Tuesday behind Roger Dean Stadium.

Climbing a mound for the first time since undergoing Sept. 21 hip surgery, closer Jason Isringhausen threw 20 pitches without discomfort before laying out a schedule that would have him ready for the defending world champions’ April 1 season opener.

Isringhausen threw easily. More important, the club’s all-time saves leader reported no problems landing on his left leg, a move that left him in agony for much of last season.

Isringhausen last appeared in a game Sept. 6, when he dropped a save against the Washington Nationals. The blown save was Isringhausen’s 10th of the season and occurred as he pitched for a third consecutive day. He approached team trainers afterward, admitted that his condition was deteriorating and was disabled the next day.

The September surgery was the second performed on Isringhausen’s arthritic left hip since after the 2004 season.

"The doctor said this could give me another four years," Isringhausen said late Tuesday morning. "That’s good to know, because I’m a free agent after this one."

As our entire rotation is basically depending on Izzy's ability to re-assume the closers role...and soon...this is at least encouraging news.

The question becomes, what does this team do if someone blows a gasket and is gone for the year? I already get the feeling that Narveson will get 20+ starts this year, so what could possibly be plan C, D or E?

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