Jason Isringhausen notched his first save since August of 2008 Tuesday, tossing a perfect inning while recording one strikeout in the win over the Cardinals. Izzy needed just 11 pitches to dispose of Matt Holliday, Lance Berkman and David Freese in order. Bobby Parnell pitched the eighth and loaded the bases before getting Albert Pujols to ground into a double play to end the threat. It appears Isringhausen is the one to go to for saves with the Mets right now, though he could be dealt before the trade deadline.

According to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports, the Reds have expressed interest in Jason Isringhausen. Reds GM Walt Jocketty is familiar with Izzy from the days the two spent in St. Louis. He's a very different pitcher now, but the veteran right-hander is the owner of a cool 3.03 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. He would operate as a setup man for Cincinnati.

Jason Isringhausen will get the ball in a potential save situation Friday night against the Phillies. We had a feeling the Mets would lean this way, at least initially. They're likely attempting to pump up his value before the trade deadline, though it is worth mentioning that he is just seven saves away from 300 for his career. While Pedro Beato could also factor in here, we still believe Bobby Parnell will be the primary closer before the season is through.

Jason Isringhausen clarified Sunday that he is not against a trade if it will help the Mets. Izzy was upset, in fact, that his previous quotes made it sound like he was "begging" to not be traded. "I never [bleeping] said one thing about, 'Please don't trade me,' " Isringhausen told the New York Post. "Yeah, I talked to Sandy, but I never once said, 'Please don't trade me.' I said I'd like to stay here. I'd never plead with anyone about staying anywhere." The Mets are likely to shop him later this month and should find plenty of suitors.

Jason Isringhausen told Mets GM Sandy Alderson that he would prefer not to be traded, according to the Daily News. "I have two places in my heart -- St. Louis, because I'm from there, and New York, because this is where I started," Isringhausen said. "Those are my two favorite spots, and I don't think I'm going back to St. Louis anytime soon. And I love it here. ... To be able to get close, or maybe even make the playoffs, coming from a team that wasn't supposed to do anything, that's fun. If there is a chance that we can do that, I want to be a part of it." The Mets would have a market for Izzy if they choose to ignore his request. Isringhausen has been surprisingly effective for the Amazins this season, posting a 3.14 ERA through 35 appearances. If Francisco Rodriguez were dealt, Isringhausen would likely take over as closer.