Franklin
Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 7:52 am
Franklin: "I'm frustrated with myself"
BY DERRICK GOOLD and RICK HUMMEL | Posted: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 11:14 pm | No Comments Posted
ST. LOUIS -- Fresh from a two-inning appearance in the Cardinals' afternoon loss to the Washington Nationals, Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin said he was frustrated with the fans at Busch Stadium and the boos that greeted him during his appearance.
He said that the fans had "short memories" and the boos showed the "true colors" of a fan base dipped in the marketing mystique that goes with the "Best Fans in Baseball" slogan. Franklin made mention of that reputation when criticizing the quick-trigger boos.
Given a few hours to reconsider, Franklin sought to reframe those comments, calling the media to after the night game to say he shares in the fans' frustrations. He feels it, too.
"Obviously these last 2 1/2 weeks have been frustrating for me, and I'm frustrated with myself. I can understand why the fans are frustrated," said Franklin, who has been temporarily removed from the closer role after blowing four of his first five save opportunities this season. "I've loved my time here in St. Louis. It's my favorite place to play. It's just a frustrating time for me right now, because I feel like I'm letting everyone down.
"First and foremost, I'm letting myself down," he continued. "I'm letting the team down and obviously the fans. It's just been a hard time for me right now, and it's something I've never been through. It's just really frustrating. Things didn't come out the right way. It was right after the game and I said things I shouldn't have said. I apologize for that. It was the wrong thing to say, but at the same time I was frustrated. I am frustrated. I'm just trying to do my best to do everything I can to get back on track. So that's what I'm trying to do. I'm trying to get back out there and help this team."
