Time for a new Cards' closer

Sorry, Bernie Miklasz. You're wrong, Bernie. The Cardinals need to replace Ryan Franklin as closer.

Jeff Gordon gets it right. Even if the position is overrated, the Cardinals need somebody who is more a lockdown pitcher than Franklin.

Franklin isn't that guy. He had only one really good year, 2009, and he's now 38.

My vote? Jason Motte.

That said, Tony La Russa has made the call, and for now at least, it looks like it might be closer-by-committee, with Mitchell Boggs joining Motte, at least.

La Russa stood by his description of Boggs and Motte as not being "ready" for the ninth inning, but added that didn't mean he would hesitate to use them in that role this coming week. While La Russa's vague description of his plan Tuesday — "Watch the game and see who comes out," he said — implied a rotating cast for closer, the manager's history suggests a hot hand will get preference.

And, how's that for a weak vote of confidence? Boy, I'll be glad for a new manager.