Successful return for Perez

MIAMI -- Chris Perez has two saves for the Cardinals in his past three Major League games, yet neither manager Tony La Russa nor pitching coach Dave Duncan is ready to call him the team's main closer.

That is because they don't want to saddle the 22-year-old with too many expectations too soon.

"The worst thing you can do is say, 'Here, you're the closer,' then he lets some games get away from him," La Russa said. "He takes a big setback and loses confidence and starts struggling."

The manager paused a moment, then added, "We're excited by his prospects, but we want to be careful. There are days when he's available that he'll get the ball. Then there are matchups, and we might use someone else."

Duncan offered a similar sentiment. He said he is encouraged by Perez's performance, but at this point in the season, Ryan Franklin and Jason Isringhausen will continue to receive consideration for saves along with Perez.

At least it is beginning to appear that the Cardinals' closing job will be a competition among those three.

(mlb.com)