Franscisco's Turnaround

Talk about your dramatic reversal! It's a long-known adage that when a veteran player is struggling, often a change of scenery will turn him around. Boy, has it ever with Francisco Cordero! The closer had saved 86 games the previous two years for the Rangers. But he lost his closer's role after a horrific April (3 saves, 5 blown saves, 11.45 ERA) He continued to struggle in the occasional save opportunities afforded him over the next 3 months (3 saves, 4 blown saves) while lowering his ERA to an almost respectable 4.81. Then came the trade to Milwaukee in the last week of July. With only 6 saves in 15 opportunities, he seemed a poor bet for closer. But with Turnbow making a mess of things (ERA over 6, 4 blown saves in a row) the Brewers were desperate. And Cordero has responded unbelievably! He has yet to give up a run in 13 games, 12 2/3 innings, with 10 saves and a win in his last 11 appearances. Opponents are batting an anemic .163 against him. Go, Francisco! You're an inspiration to us all that we can turn things around!