Wow. What an odd turn of events.

Seems like an extreme measure, but Ankiel has cited the fact that his frustrations were beginning to affect his behavious *off* of the field, so I guess he sees this as the only way to stay sane.

I really believed this could have been his breakthrough year pitching. Of course those hopes were weakened by his blowing-up last week, but I had hoped he would work through it.

It just seems to be a strange time to make such a decision. Why not at least *try* a few innings in spring training?

I think there's more to this than meets the eye.

After last year, I really thought he had finally turned the corner.

It just shows how much the mental side contributes to performance, because Ankiel had something like a 23-2 K-to-walk ratio in the minors last year. It's just now, with something truly at stake (a spot on the opening day roster)--as opposed to throwing to A-ball hitters or mopping up on an expanded roster--that Ankiel can't overcome the fear and doubt, now that he knows this is (or at least seems like) his last shot with the Cardinals.

I think the poor guy always has in the back of his mind that he has to struggle to stay in control, and the presence of that in his mind is enough to ensure that he never does stay in control. If he thinks about it, he's already lost it, because it has to be automatic, unconscious.

Best wishes to Rick in the future, whatever it may hold.

Just try to remember, Stan Musial started as a pitcher until he ran into problems and converted to the outfield.

Not to say that'll happen again, but I think I could deal with it if it did.

Wouldn't that be a hoot if Ankiel turns out to be a premier slugger?

He is a decent hitter already...

So, assuming Morris isn't ready for the start of the season, and assuming TLR doesn't go 4-man, who's the 5th man in the rotation?

Wainwright, Cali, Reyes?

I would bet on Reyes if anyone, but I think it's more likely the Cards will take advantage of the schedule, which allows for a 4-man rotation until April 20th.

But don't rule out Bill Pulsipher! :-)

I would hope that TLR wouldn't go 4 man personally, just because I'd like the Cards to keep Carpenter and Mulder's innings pitched as low as possible over the season, since both guys had "issues" in the 2nd half last season.

Man, we're going to be good this year.

Yeah, the four-man rotation seems likely, although Morris returning early scares the heck out of me.

I feel bad for Ankiel, but I also good for him. This just has to be an enormous relief.

Morris is already getting a Spring start on Saturday, way ahead of his schedule. They won't need a 5th starter until April 20th, and right now it looks like Morris will actually be ready to go.

Musial was a regular in the majors by the age of 21. I realize no one actually expects Ankiel to become Musial, but it's not exactly a good comparison. Ankiel is starting from scratch at the age of 25. A better comparison is probably (unfortunately) Michael Jordan.

"A better comparison is probably (unfortunately) Michael Jordan."

Ouch!

No, really.... Ouch!!

Take it easy guys. Michael Jordan made the greatest NBA to minor league baseball leap ever.

The irrational part about this whole thing is that if they no longer believe that Rick can make it in the majors as a pitcher, why should they care if someone else picks him up?

I think that if we can find room on the roster for Luna or Miguel Mejia or any other rule V guy, why can't we find room for Rick as a pitcher?

I think that most likely this whole thing is being blown out of proportion. There'll be another post sometime saying that he is taking reps in the outfield but still working on his pitching.

The lone upside of all this is that it might break the Cards irrational attachment to Cedeño or Taguchi.

Maybe the Bulls will sign Ankiel...

They've already moved Ankiel to the outfielder's roster on the official Cardinals site.

I would like to keep hope alive that he'll return to the mound as well, but it really looks like it's over for Ankiel as a pitcher.

But hey, never say never.

---------------------------------------

Maybe the Bulls will sign Ankiel...
Posted by: Dave at March 9, 2005 01:08 PM

LMFAO!

In Ankiel's main season in the majors, 2000, he batted a respectable .250 with a slugging percentage of .382 (in 68 at bats). But here is his fielding record fromm 2000: In 175 innings, he had 29 total chances and made 7 errors, for a fielding perctage of .759. (His career fielding percentage, based on 38 chances, is .816.)

It would be interesting to know how many of those errors were throwing errors. In any case, putting him in the outfield--under pressure--may not protect him from fundamental control problems. It looks like his best prospect may be as a DH or a pinch hitter.....

I was so looking forward to Ankiel at least being in the bullpen this year, building up some confidence. Alas.

I wish him the best.

Here are his stats:

http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/stats/mlb_individual_stats_player.jsp?playerID=150449&statType=2

More on Ankiel's batting sk1lz (including amateur stats): http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2008800

I'd guess Ankiel's fielding-throwing was even worse than the basic stats indicate. Those total chances include some putouts. It sounds like his decision to give up pitching may have been influenced by problems in fielding drills too. It's 997th on a list of 1000 items, but throwing the ball to Eckstein could be an adventure for Ankiel.

The sad thing is I think I'd just as soon have Ankiel as Cedeno. Then again, Ankiel would probably clear waivers if he absolutely refuses to pitch. Maybe Cedeno will take up pitching.

Yeah, honestly I'm not totally sure Ankiel won't outhit Cedeno this year in a Woody Williams/Mike Matheny sort of way. At least he'd hit the occasional bomb; in his otherwise unmemorable AA stint in 2002 he cleared the 500 foot mark on a home run against Atlanta's affiliate.

I just hope the Cardinals keep him around for a bit whether he hits or pitches, it'll be quite the ovation when he pops a Busch Stadium homer.