Rick Ankiel gets another shot in the MLB

by Toxicadam on Aug 9, 2007 1:25 PM EDT

I know it's not Indians related .. but it's one of the greatest stories in baseball at the moment. I am really rooting for the guy and hope he catches on as a 4rth outfielder or at least can make some contribution to the Cards this season.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/nl/cardinals/2007-08-09-ankiel-callup_N.htm

ST. LOUIS -- Rick Ankiel is back in the major leagues -- as an outfielder. The St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday purchased the contract of the 28-year-old pitcher-turned outfielder. Team spokesman Brian Bartow said Ankiel will be in uniform Thursday night when the Cardinals host San Diego.
Considered one of baseball's most promising young pitchers before uncontrollable wildness that emerged in a 2000 playoff game derailed his career, Ankiel last appeared in the major leagues in 2004.

Ankiel was hitting .267 with 32 homers and 89 runs batted in 102 games at Triple-A Memphis. He also struck out 90 times and had an on-base percentage of .314. Defensively, he had seven errors.

"The path he has taken to get back to the major leagues has been a long and difficult one," Bartow said. "I know there will be a lot of people around here with goose bumps. He's been one of the most popular players in the clubhouse and around the organization since he first arrived."

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Re: Rick Ankiel gets another shot in the MLB

Why Toxicadam, you old softy you. Who woulda guessed there was a soft spot anywhere in that stone cold heart of yours.

by mauichuck on Aug 9, 2007 3:02 PM EDT reply actions

Re: Rick Ankiel gets another shot in the MLB

Get off my lawn!!

by Toxicadam on Aug 9, 2007 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: Rick Ankiel gets another shot in the MLB

Ankiel is the man. I knew he'd be back.

by homelytourist on Aug 9, 2007 3:21 PM EDT reply actions

Re: Rick Ankiel gets another shot in the MLB

.314 OBP in AAA? Bad

by Gradyforpresident on Aug 9, 2007 4:46 PM EDT reply actions

Re: Rick Ankiel gets another shot in the MLB

For a 28-year-old, too

by Gradyforpresident on Aug 9, 2007 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: Rick Ankiel gets another shot in the MLB

Let me see if I got this right. You wanna compare the OBP of a guy who's 28 and been playing the outfield for what - 2 years with guys who may be younger but have been playing the outfield for 5 or 6 years. Is that right?

I'm pretty sure you've got more insight than that.

by mauichuck on Aug 9, 2007 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: Rick Ankiel gets another shot in the MLB

I'd say a .318 OBP is still not major league quality no matter what the context is.

by zempf on Aug 9, 2007 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: Rick Ankiel gets another shot in the MLB

It'd be nice to see him succeed. But no matter the story, a .316 OBP at age 28 in AAA is a .316 OBP at age 28 in AAA.

by Gradyforpresident on Aug 9, 2007 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: Rick Ankiel gets another shot in the MLB

I think you're being too hard-lined on this. I agree with Chuck, that Ankiel is a special case. I see no reason to believe that he can't adjust to major league pitching.

by homelytourist on Aug 9, 2007 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: Rick Ankiel gets another shot in the MLB

Let's see how he does. We'll talk again at the end of the season.

by mauichuck on Aug 10, 2007 7:06 AM EDT up reply actions

Re: Rick Ankiel gets another shot in the MLB

I hope his first game is a complete blowout, and they ask him to pitch to save the bullpen.

by nickjs21 on Aug 9, 2007 4:58 PM EDT reply actions

Re: Rick Ankiel gets another shot in the MLB

I am going to the Cardinals game tonight, should be fun to watch Ankiel

by Roger Dorn on Aug 9, 2007 5:38 PM EDT reply actions

Re: Rick Ankiel gets another shot in the MLB

He's in the starting lineup, I hear. What a story.

by nickjs21 on Aug 9, 2007 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: Rick Ankiel gets another shot in the MLB

Good for him. Not many people are athletic or tough enough to suffer the abuse he went though, and come back at a different position. I hope he does well.

I heard that L.Carr is only going to dress 25 players this Sat........the rest can dress themselves!

by gahnki on Aug 9, 2007 7:51 PM EDT reply actions

Re: Rick Ankiel gets another shot in the MLB

His Hollywood story ends with a 3 run homerun in his first game back. Of course, in the movie, that will be changed into a grand slam that puts the Cardinals into the playoffs and lightening will strike the light tower and send sparks all over the field .. but we will know the truth.

by Toxicadam on Aug 9, 2007 10:22 PM EDT reply actions