February 17, 200620 yr if Willingham can successfully convert to catcher? Ankiel Available? Rick Ankiel is attempting to make the Cardinals as an outfielder. The intriguing thing is, St. Louis has to put him on waviers if he doesn't make the team: With Jim Edmonds and former Marlin Juan Encarnacion set in center and right field and a trio of candidates for the left-field job, Ankiel's chances of making the big-league team are remote. Landing in Class AAA Memphis would be progress. But even that will be tricky. Having exhausted his options, Ankiel must pass through waivers if he does not make the Cardinals. Ankiel could have been claimed for $50,000 had the Cardinals not placed him on the 40-man roster. They now have until March 11 to sign him for the season. I suspect a number of teams will be watching Rick this spring. There someone out there who could use an outfielder with a great arm in his prime. source: http://baseballmusings.com/ thats a great blog by the way
February 17, 200620 yr He'd also be better than half our bullpen. Hard to be better than anyone when you refuse to pitch.
February 17, 200620 yr At least he hasn't given up yet. Seems like he's been around for 10 years with all the rough spots he went through.
February 17, 200620 yr I'm not sure he'd really be all that much better than what we got, but it probably wouldn't hurt to give him a try.
February 17, 200620 yr He'd also be better than half our bullpen. he is a head case...the man will never be able to pitch again unless he gets passed his mental block
February 17, 200620 yr Well the Marlins will certainly have ample opportunity to watch him perform all Spring. If things don't work out in St. Louis the marlins will be in the perfect position to grab him.
February 17, 200620 yr To what end? Look at his minor league batting stats (because he's a position player now) and tell me he'd be an asset. He hit .243 in AA ball last season with an OBP below .300. Sheesh.
February 17, 200620 yr We have nothing to lose at this point. Do it. You could use that reasoning to sign ANY player.
February 17, 200620 yr He had good numbers in high A and struggled when he got to double A. I think he is worth a spot.
February 17, 200620 yr could be worth a flyer. you have to remember that last year was his first year as a full time outfielder as a pro. he has a nice bat, could eventually be a nice 4th outfielder and what not.
February 17, 200620 yr To what end? Look at his minor league batting stats (because he's a position player now) and tell me he'd be an asset. He hit .243 in AA ball last season with an OBP below .300. Sheesh. The St Louis Post Dispatch ran an article on him yesterday, attributing much of his troubles to injuries that he suffered as he tried to change a body that used to go every fifth day, to one used day in and day out. How much of a future Ankiel has as an everyday outfielder could crystallize in the coming weeks. At two levels last summer, he hit 21 home runs with 75 RBIs in 85 games. He caught eyes. He evolved from experiment to curiosity to, although 26, prospect. When a club official was asked to ascertain what Ankiel's status would be if he saw the numbers produced, his age, his position, but not the name, he said: "Prospect. Definitely a prospect." Ankiel went one for 20 to open his outfield career. A back injury sidelined him and led to a demotion to Class A. Over 51 games there he drove in 45 runs and earned a return to Springfield. Of the final 26 games he started in Class AA, he had hits in 20. He batted .281 with 30 RBIs and 10 home runs in those 26 games. In his final game, he hit two home runs. http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/st...AB?OpenDocument
February 18, 200620 yr I'd be willing to take my chances, I don't believe in potencial, I believe in hard work and dedication, he has all that, he can still turn out to be a good player..get the pen and paper beinfest!
February 19, 200620 yr I think anybody is worth a try, and a guy with Ankiel desire not to ever quit deserves a shot at whatever he does, just not in centerfield ofcourse.
February 19, 200620 yr Ankiel came on strong as he got over his injuries. He could be starting in AAA for the Cardinals right now. He's got the power and everything. He isnt the greatest of fielders yet in the outfield but he got quite a few outfield assists last year if I recall. I dont know if he'll make the Cards this year but I do know he wont make it pass the waiver wire.. He's still pretty intriguing (sp). LoL if you wanna check what he did last year there's the Official Rick Ankiel Thread at CCH
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