It’s Monday, we’re all still bummed about the ending of yesterday’s game and today is an off day to dwell upon the closer situation. But there is other news in Cardinal Nation, and you can catch up right now as you drink your coffee.

• Skip Schumaker and Allen Craig will have their injuries examined today in St. Louis. (Skip hyperextended his elbow on Friday, Allen strained his groin stealing that base Saturday night.) Find more details of that, as well as Tony La Russa’s swollen eye, from Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch.
• Speaking of Allen Craig, get to know him better — he has a pet tortoise, by the way — in this from USA Today.
• To lighten your Monday mood, check out St. Louis Cardinals Review: A Series of Lists and A Work of Fiction at SB Nation St. Louis — it includes a sneak peek at The Poet’s latest literary gem.
• Sure, it’s all turtlenecks and frivolity until someone blows a save … And, before and during the game, we heard plenty about the team-bonding turtleneck wearing yesterday (and were not surprised to read that LB was one of the creators). Plenty was written about it too, by Strauss in the link above and also here. But nowhere other than on the broadcast was the thing that’s most required with such a story: pictures.
• Going to any of the games on the upcoming homestand? Check out what you can bring along with you to support the Cardinals second annual Green Week that starts tomorrow and runs through April 26.

OK, it’s impossible to avoid what’s on all our minds. Here’s a look at some of the opinions about Ryan Franklin and what the Cardinals need to do.

• Want some numbers on how bad Franklin has been in 2011? Pour another cup of coffee (you’ll need it) and read this from Bernie Miklasz at the Post-Dispatch.
• We’ve heard a lot about historic trends this past week, with the Cardinals hitting and scoring surge. Here’s a look at how Franky’s making history as well, from The Cardinal Nation Blog. (Cheer up — White Sox fans are going through the same thing right now with Matt Thornton. He’s on this list too.)
• Just want to vote on who should be the new closer? Head to Redbird Rants. (Mitchell Boggs got mine.)
• There was, not surprisingly, a lot of venting on Twitter after the game yesterday, and a lot of calls for Eduardo Sanchez to be the closer. Our friend Bob Netherton discusses that and the other closer options at his blog, On the Outside Corner.
• Finally, at A Blog of Her Own, fearlessleader also looks into some closer solutions — well worth the read. Her post also made me even more intrigued about The Poet, Miguel Batista. If he had the chance, he’d like to strike out Jesus.

Happy Monday! (Have more coffee, it will be fine — this week’s games are at a decent time again.)


Christine Coleman is the senior St. Louis Cardinals reporter for Aaron Miles’ Fastball. Follow her on Twitter, @CColeman802, or e-mail aaronmilesfastball@gmail.com. Also follow @AMilesFastball for the latest updates.