A few random questions as weekend approaches

• Should we be concerned about Jason Isringhausen? Izzy blew his fourth save in 15 chances Wednesday night. He was 32-for-34 last season. Most people want to believe in this guy, but the Cardinals' margin for error figures to be slim when it's all said and done this season.

• How can the fatigue in Mark Mulder's twice-repaired left shoulder be considered a good thing? I mean, I understand the concept that a week to 10 days may be good for Mulder. But even with time off, isn't it far too much to ask to put him into a major-league rotation anytime soon? There's a bigger question: Can he still pitch? Will he have enough velocity to retire big-league hitters on a consistent basis?

• Is Anthony Reyes just going to waste away in the Cardinals' system? It seems time to cut bait with this guy. Teams inquiring about him have said the Cardinals are asking too much for Reyes. How can that be? He has no role. If the Cardinals are so high on him, why does he continue to be no more than a long reliever or Class AAA starter?

• Does Ryan Ludwick deserve a full-time shot in left field? How can his hitting be ignored? Chris Duncan has struggled defensively and hasn't provided the pop expected of him. Might he be packaged with Reyes in a trade with an American League team?

• What's up with Kyle Lohse? His last two starts have been dreadful. Is he leveling off after a fast start? Was he overachieving the first few weeks of the season?

• Will we see Matt Clement in the big leagues this season? General Manager John Mozeliak said he's beginning to make more dramatic progress. Chris Carpenter remains on time for after the All-Star break. Seeing No. 29 active again would do wonders for a rotation that still might need some help, even as effective as it's been so far.

• Does Rick Ankiel have one of the best outfield arms of all time? Who could argue that he doesn't?

• How can Troy Glaus have just one home run? The Cardinals desperately need some power from their third baseman. Albert Pujols — and Ankiel and Ludwick to lesser extents — is the only major home-run threat. Until Glaus starts offering better protection, teams will continue to pitch around Pujols. He could wind up with 200 walks this season.