Cardinals manager Tony La Russa is not a big fan of the "closer by committee" approach, but it has been working for the team. Five different players have recorded saves for St. Louis this year, two more than any other club. Since Ryan Franklin was removed from closing duties two weeks ago, four pitchers have combined for six saves. "I don't think you should ever force a guy into it just because you want to [have a designated closer]," La Russa said. "I think clearly if you had the closer and everybody else's roles were to set up that guy, there's a certainty there when you go into the game. But what you don't want to do is anoint one of those guys, say, 'OK, you're the guy,' [when he's not the right choice]."