Brian34Cook

Isringhausen tests a new kind of splitter
03/01/2008


February 22, 2008 -- Cardinals closer Jason Isringhausen (right) talks with pitching coach Dave Duncan.


JUPITER, Fla. — There have been times this week when closer Jason Isringhausen has been in the clubhouse with a day-glo green softball wedged between his right index and middle fingers.

One thing can drive a closer to that kind of ball.

He's working on a new pitch.

During his first live batting practice session of spring, Isringhausen uncorked a few split-finger fastballs, just to see how the hitters reacted. So far, so OK, he said. Good enough, though, to keep gripping the softball to increase his finger flexibility.

Isringhausen threw a pitch to Rick Ankiel that caught the outfielder fishing (unsuccessfully) for it on the outer edge of the plate. Pitching coach Dave Duncan asked, "Was that a split or a sinker?"

It was a veering sinker, but the split's seed is planted.

"He keeps adding a little something different with hitters," manager Tony La Russa said. "I think that's very important, especially for somebody who pitches late in the game. The old videotapes aren't going to tell the whole story in a particular year."

In exchange for help on a cut fastball, Ryan Franklin has worked with Isringhausen on what they call a spread-finger splitter. Franklin said the idea is to "start it at the knees and let it drop." Isringhausen said the pitch is still an experiment but likened it to a change-up. He threw a couple Friday, one of which froze a left-handed hitter.

"I can get better location with my fastball," he said after his 30-pitch session. "But that will come with facing hitters. The cutter was good."

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