Ryan Franklin has retired from baseball and accepted a scouting position with the Cardinals.

The 38-year-old right-hander was released in late June following an implosion as closer early in the year and then weeks of limited used out of the bullpen. He finishes his 12-year career with a 4.14 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 84 saves while playing for the Mariners, Phillies, Reds and Cardinals.

Ryan Franklin acknowledged Sunday that he is leaning toward retiring from professional baseball.

Franklin didn't bother seeking out another organization after the Cardinals released him in late June and doesn't sound any more interested in returning to the playing field here in October. "I know if it started tomorrow I'd be leaning toward staying around the house," said the 38-year-old right-hander. "It was pretty neat to be able to take my kids on their first day of school. My wife thought so, too."

Cardinals released RHP Ryan Franklin.

Franklin began the season firmly entrenched as St. Louis' closer, but he blew a save on Opening Day and it's been all downhill since. The 38-year-old right-hander allowed nine home runs and 44 total hits in just 27 2/3 innings this season. He could decide to simply retire.

Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that the Cardinals "may be closer to a decision" regarding struggling reliever Ryan Franklin.

Franklin gave up two runs on three hits (including a home run) over one-third of an inning on Tuesday night and now has an ugly 8.46 ERA over 27 2/3 innings this season. Cardinals manager Tony La Russa acknowledged considering "creative" alternatives to address the situation, so it's possible he could be placed on the disabled list or designated for assignment. According to Strauss, a decision is expected before the club leaves Thursday for Tampa Bay.

Ryan Franklin got hit hard again on Tuesday, giving up two runs on three hits in only one-third of an inning.

Taking the mound to start the eighth inning with a 6-0 lead, Franklin got the first out on a hard shot to left field before surrendering a home run, a single, and an RBI double. And that was all Cardinals manager Tony La Russa needed to see. Opponents are now hitting 44-for-120 (.367) against Franklin this season, while the struggling reliever carries an 8.46 ERA and 1.84 WHIP. He has now surrendered 11 earned runs on 18 hits in his last six appearances.

Ryan Franklin thinks he fixed a mechanical flaw in an extended bullpen session Friday.

After watching some video, Franklin discovered that his leg kick was quicker in the past and he thinks slowing it down might have taken away some of his deception. "We're looking at a lot of reasons for what's going on," said Franklin. "There has to be some reason why I get hit like that. There's a reason. My stuff is as good as it's always been. It would be different if that was the case. I know there has got to be a reason." The owner of an 8.17 ERA and 1.86 WHIP this season, Franklin better right the ship in a hurry before he's designated for assignment.

Ryan Franklin allowed two runs on three hits and a walk in two innings of work on Wednesday evening, taking the loss in St. Louis' 7-5, 11-inning setback against the Giants.

After throwing a perfect 10th, Franklin couldn't get it together in the 11th. The loss was his fourth in just 16 appearances, while his ERA and WHIP now rest at 7.52 and 1.72, respectively. In his semi-defense, Franklin did turn in a two-inning appearance on Tuesday, and had posted 4 2/3 scoreless innings coming into this evening. Be that as it may, the Cardinals are now 4-12 in games in which he has pitched this season.

Ryan Franklin picked up his first win since July 30, 2010, as he struck out the side in the eighth inning of the Cardinals' comeback win Tuesday.

His stuff has looked better of late, as he's now unscored upon over his last 4 2/3 innings. But, we can't overlook that 7.36 ERA and 1.69 WHIP yet. Franklin still has a ways to go to earn the Cardinals' and fantasy owners' confidence.

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said Ryan Franklin will work through his problems in long relief for the time being.

"Somebody's got to fill that (long relief) role," La Russa said. "Right now, you're careful with the way you use him. That would be the idea: give him time to get sharper. That's the theory. Then you have to play out the reality of the game and who's available. I make no promises." Franklin lost his closer role on April 17 after his fourth blown save, but he hasn't been any better since then, giving up three runs over his last 2 1/3 innings. If he doesn't right the ship soon, the Cards might create a phantom injury and place him on the DL.

Ryan Franklin allowed two hits and a walk in a 1 1/3-inning relief appearance Saturday.

Franklin has now surrendered seven earned runs in 7 2/3 frames this season. No matter the role and no matter the situation, he has consistently failed to get batters out. Mitchell Boggs' hold on the ninth inning just got a little stronger.

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa indicated Tuesday that there would be a "role change" for Ryan Franklin.

He didn't officially remove Franklin from the closer role, but said they will treat him like a hitter who is struggling. In other words, they will look for alternatives while he attempts to right himself. La Russa wouldn't say who would get the ball in a save situation, but Mitchell Boggs is the likely favorite. Jason Motte and Miguel Batista are worth consideration in deeper leagues.

Ryan Franklin blew his fourth save of the season in Sunday's 2-1 loss to the Dodgers, serving up a two-run walkoff homer to Matt Kemp.

Though he realizes the fan base would probably like him to make a change, Cardinals manager Tony La Russa is sticking with Ryan Franklin as his closer for now.

La Russa acknowledged that there's an "organizational blueprint" to eventually promote a closer from within, but he would prefer to hold off doing so until after the season. "I'm aware of what's being said about the ninth inning. I'm also aware Franklin is our closer," La Russa said. "(Mitchell Boggs and Jason Motte) have important roles. When the time is right, the time is right. Just keep doing what they're doing." If La Russa does make a change, Boggs would likely be first in line. He's looked unhittable of late and boasts a 2.25 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 12/3 K/BB ratio while giving up just three hits over eight innings.

Ryan Franklin served up a ninth inning home run to Matt Kemp in a non-save situation Thursday night.

Franklin's outing actually lowered his ERA from 9.82 to 9.64. If he keeps this up, he should get down to 9.00 in no time.

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said Ryan Franklin is still the team's closer.

Franklin, however, is not available Sunday except in the event of an emergency. Franklin was charged with his third blown save in four opportunities when he gave up Miguel Tejada's game-winning double on Saturday night. La Russa added that he didn't believe that Mitchell Boggs, Jason Motte, Miguel Batista or anyone else in the bullpen is better suited for the ninth inning than Franklin at this point.

Ryan Franklin was charged with his third blown save in four opportunities after giving up Miguel Tejada's game-winning double on Saturday night.

In Franklin's defense, the ball should certainly have been caught by Colby Rasmus. However, it was a hard hit shot to the gap and it followed Franklin getting himself into trouble by allowing a single and a walk. Now Franklin already has more blown saves than he did in 29 opportunities last year. We don't see any reason for the Cardinals to replace him just yet, but they may not have any choice if he continues to struggle. A big reason he's likely safe for now is that Jason Motte isn't looking close to the same pitcher that he was last year. Mitchell Boggs would probably have to be second in line for saves.

Ryan Franklin blew another save Friday, giving up a game-tying RBI single to Pablo Sandoval in the ninth inning of an extra innings loss to the Giants.

That's two blown saves in three chances this season, matching his total from last year. Franklin has an array of pitches but simply doesn't have much margin for error and need pristine command. Mitchell Boggs or Jason Motte could be the Cardinals' closer at some point this season.

Ryan Franklin notched his first save of the season Tuesday against the Pirates, striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning.

Franklin blew a save on Opening Day by serving up a game-tying homer to Cameron Maybin, but bounced back to secure the victory over Pittsburgh. He's a mid-range fantasy closer because he pitches for a contender and has a relatively-long leash, though he wouldn't be our choice to pitch the ninth-inning.

Ryan Franklin blew a save on Opening Day after giving up a game-tying homer to Cameron Maybin on Thursday.

It could have been worse, as the first out of the inning required a great catch from third baseman David Freese on a ball that Ryan Ludwick scalded. The third out was hit hard, too. Franklin's closing gig should be safe for quite some time, but he doesn't rank as one of the NL's top relievers for fantasy purposes.

Ryan Franklin said he wants to pitch beyond 2011.

Franklin, of course, has vacillated publicly on the retirement subject frequently before. "I've done a lot of that (thinking) this offseason," Franklin said. "I've come to the conclusion that if this year goes well, I'm going to keep playing. If I stay healthy, and I don't see why I shouldn't. The family has told me to keep playing, so I'm going to keep playing." I think we can safely translate that into: "If I pitch well enough to get another lucrative contract offer, I'll take it." Cardinals GM John Mozeliak said in November that the Cardinals had no desire to replace the 37-year-old Franklin at closer.