Rick Ankiel, ballplayer

by azruavatar on Jun 20, 2008 9:00 AM EDT

I’ve had a somewhat tumultuous relationship with Rick Ankiel as a fan. That’s not saying much given his ups and downs; almost everyone has ridden the highs and lows vicariously with Rick. I’ve alluded in the past to my current ambivalence towards Ankiel but I’ve never really spelled out the why of it.

Rick Ankiel emerged towards the tail end of what I’d label the formative years for my baseball passion. I’d always liked baseball. Like most kids, I’d played in little leagues and throughout my younger years. Like most kids, I wasn’t particularly good but I still enjoyed it. What’s always struck me as odd is that I’m still not sure why I liked watching baseball as a kid so much. My father wasn’t particularly enamored of the sport – in fact, my enjoyment of the game over the last 5-10 years has probably sparked his more than vice versa. Whatever the case, I was hooked from an early age.

Of course, the near addiction (and let’s be honest, I suspect many of us are a bit too rabid to just call it a hobby anymore) didn’t start until 1998. As I’m sure everyone remembers, that was the historic race between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. As a 13-year-old, I was mesmerized. If I was hooked before, I was a lost cause from that moment forward.

Ankiel’s fantastic pitching season in 2000 (175 innings, 3.50 ERA, 194 Ks) was just plain fun to watch. He was heralded as the next great lefty and he was so young. He was sure to be a fixture of the Cardinal rotation for the next decade. Tragically, we all know how that storyline ended. But it didn’t end with the 2000 postseason for me. It didn’t end with the wild pitches or the Steve Blass syndrome or whatever you want to call it. I tracked him through the minors constantly hunting for updates. I made sure to catch his brief major league callups only to be disappointed by the results.

When Rick Ankiel announced that he was done pitching, I can recall the exact settings of that moment. I was in my parents living room. I remember our old couch that we had at the time and I had been arguing with my younger brother about something trivial. I was channel flipping and came across one of the local news stations, channel 5 in St. Louis. The announcement didn’t just catch me by surprise, it rocked me to my core.

Furious might not be a word strong enough to encapsulate how I felt about what, at the time, I perceived to be a unilateral decision. Looking back, it was a very naïve and juvenile reaction but I was very naïve and juevenile at the time. After all the Cardinals had invested in him, I couldn’t believe he’d just hang up his cleats. I scoffed at the idea of Rick Ankiel the outfielder. Things like that just didn’t happen. He’d thrown in the towel right in front of my eyes and I personalized that betrayal in a way that only sports fans can do when a star player leaves a team.

By the time Ankiel started his transition in the minor leagues in 2005, I had washed my hands of him. He wasn’t someone that I was watching for or emotionally vested in after he “quit” pitching. His injury ridden 2006 was followed by a prodigious display of power in 2007 when he hit .267/.314/.568 with 32 homeruns in Memphis. St. Louis was captivated again by Rick Ankiel. Or maybe more accurately, they had never stopped being captivated but now had reason to cheer. The expectations heaped on him were enormous. Talk of Babe Ruth, however facetious, was the norm and the question of when he’d come up to St. Louis and mash HRs with Albert became a “when” rather than an “if”.

He certainly didn’t disappoint in 2007 either. .285/.328/.535 with a HR once every 16 at bats. The surprising part wasn’t the power -- we’d seen that in Memphis – it was the batting average. For someone who strikes out relatively often and can get fooled by pitches he had a relatively high average. The storyline became that he was a new hitter; he’d only been devoted to the craft for 2 years really so the growth curve was tremendous. He’s a natural. He’s the natural.

This brings us to the present. To say that Ankiel’s career path up till now is unique would be a gross understatement. It’s singular in its oddity and unexpectedness. But Ankiel may be going through another more important transformation as a player this season. He’s hitting .251/.332/.479 on the season with 11 HRs. The slugging percentage is down but that’s almost solely a function of the drop in average. He’s still hitting for power and lots of it (ISO > .200). The real change has been twofold.

First, Ankiel is walking in over 10% of his plate appearances keeping his OBP from sinking to dangerous levels as his batting average has tapered off. From a statistical standpoint, I’m a huge fan of players that walk often. Not only are they getting on base, but it’s a trait that helps keep them from getting too cold during the cold streaks. (Just to be clear, that’s an opinion; I haven’t seen any research that indicates players who walk a lot are less prone to dramatic slumps.)

The second change is perhaps even more profound. Ankiel was called up last year for his offense. He’s made himself a mainstay of the lineup because of his defense. His RZR rating is tremendously better than last year (.947 compared to .800) giving him the best rating of all qualified players in the NL. If you had asked me a year ago whether I thought he’d be a centerfielder, I’d have answered no. I thought he’d be serviceable there but he’s playing some of the best centerfield defense this side of Jim Edmonds in his prime. A really rough look at his balls in zone shows that he’s made 27 more catches to date this year than he would at last years rate. While it’s an oversimplification of defense, it’s possible that he’s somewhere around 2 wins with his defense this season. The fact that there’s an argument to even be had about whether he or Colby Rasmus should be in centerfield next year is astounding (but Colby is the right answer).

These both strike me as sustainable improvements to Rick’s skillset. He's adopted a more advanced approach at the plate and become an excellent fielder. If there’s any single phrase to describe it, I’d say he’s becoming a more “complete ballplayer”. The fascination with Ankiel has effectively become a St. Louis pastime. As he approaches the end of his team-controlled years, it will be interesting to see what John Mozeliak decides to do with the 28-year-old who is still learning. Rick Ankiel the pitcher is gone. Rick Ankiel the slugger is inaccurate. Rick Ankiel the ballplayer. . . . . now that seems right.

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Comments

Well written

I’m an Ankiel fan, but I can’t help but hold that ridicule for him as a result of all those wild pitches. I find it fascinating that he can still throw strikes from Center Field. It’s frustrating at times to see him struggle here and there at the plate, but his defense astounds me. It’s kind of a give-and-take.

by vexedtechie on Jun 20, 2008 9:20 AM EDT reply actions

I flat out like watching the guy play

Now, let’s face it, I’ll watch any Cards game. but, given household stuff to do, I don’t always get to watch the few cards games that are on national TV.

Obviously, I”ll watch Pujols hit. When I fast forward through games, I’ll usually watch defense. I like defense, and I always loved watching Edmonds play center.

And now? I really like watching Ankiel play center. He runs great, good routes, etc. I look at it the way an article someone posted put it: Ankiel is happy now. He’s playing and not worrying.

by sdrone on Jun 20, 2008 9:40 AM EDT reply actions

Um, excuse me,

Azru, but I believe that maudling verbosity is my department. Your confession of feelings toward a ballplayer undermines your robotic origins. Go back to your numbers where you belong.

Personally, I still don’t know quite how I feel about Hammerin Ank. Every time he does something spectacular, a highlight reel catch or a bomb to right field, I always feel something, but I’m never quite sure what exactly. I guess I’ve never really forgiven him for breaking our hearts before, and then coming back after I had finally let go of it. No matter what he does as an outfielder, I’ll never be able to look at him without the thought of what might have been. Sad, I suppose, but true.

Great read.

What this book presupposes is, maybe he didn't?

by the red baron on Jun 20, 2008 9:42 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah

Something is fishy. We know Azruavatars “Father” is into Blernsball. I think we may be dealing with an imposter.

One aspect I love about the whole Ankiel saga is, if I remember right, the last time we sent him down he had to clear waivers. No one bit because he had said he wouldn’t pitch and no other team was going to give him a shot at the outfield. I don’t think they’ll make the same mistake of dismissing him when/if he hits free agency.

"Do what you want to the women and children but leave me alone"- George Carlin

by That's a Winner on Jun 20, 2008 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Fish?

Did someone mention fish?

Ank is a great player. His pitching implosion was a tragedy, but his resurrection as a ballplayer has been outstanding. Good article azur.

by sbentley on Jun 20, 2008 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions

Pretty much the same sentiments here

But I’d describe them differently. I’d say Pujols is a great player & the Kile story is a tragedy. Ankiel is, astonishingly, a pretty good everyday major league centerfielder with a great story. And even if his career had ended as a failed pitcher, it would have been sad and a great shame, but I wouldn’t have called it tragic.

Yeah, I’m splitting hairs.

by random on Jun 20, 2008 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions

I love Ank

I think that is pretty obvious from my comments. I am disappointed by him a bit though because I don’t think he will ever be as good an outfielder as we all knew he had the potential to be as a pitcher.
Ank the pitcher had hall of fame potential . What a shame that his wildness derailed that.

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 20, 2008 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I hadn't been that impressed by a young pitcher since Gooden's first year

Before that Vida Blue and Fernando Valenzuela. He really was something special, but it turned out to be Gary Nolan, Mark Fidrych special. Sigh.

by random on Jun 20, 2008 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions

man

I hated Flexo

If you are in St. Louis check out my band, Griffin and the Gargoyles
(formerly Gargoyle Reign, Gargoyle Lounge)

www.GriffinandtheGargoyles.com
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by jealousblues on Jun 20, 2008 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Someday there will be a movie about Rick.

The story of Rick Ankiel is truely one of the most amazing stories in modern baseball history. His first game back as an outfielder last year was the stuff of legend. His homerun in that game was just incredible. Sure we get upset at him because he is a real streaky hitter and strikes out a lot…..but he is just an incredible talent and I think we have been real lucky to see this story of his rise from the ashes to become the player he is today. He may not have the greatest career, but the Rick Ankiel story will be one that we will remember for a long time. I can’t wait to see the movie!

by KYCards on Jun 20, 2008 9:49 AM EDT reply actions

you know what?

I’ve been thinking the same thing ever since last year’s dramatic call up and them getting back into the race. can’t wait for the Rick Ankiel Story

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I think he's improved at the plate a lot this year

Walk rate: 10.2%, up from 7.0%
K rate: 23.3%, about the same as last year’s 23.3%
LD rate: 16.6%, up from 14.9%
IFH% (infield popups): 5.6%, down from 8.5%
O-swing% (swing percentage on pitches outside the zone: 27.53%, down from 37.19%

His drop in BA is pretty much all explained by his drop in BABIP, from .317 to .280. He’ll never hit for a high average because of the K rate, but there is no reason he can’t be a 5-win player for the next few years. And the cannon attached to his left shoulder certainly won’t hurt when he moves to RF to make room for Rasmus.

by mikedallas45 on Jun 20, 2008 9:50 AM EDT reply actions

Rick

I secretly have a hope that in a blowout game Rick will suddenly decide he wants to give pitching a try again just for fun. So instead of going to “short reliever” Aaron Miles, Tony will put Rick in and Rick’s “stuff” will still be there, but his head will be fixed. He’ll make all the hitters look foolish and then he’ll become a slugging OF/shutdown lefty reliever. I know it will never ever happen, but I can always dream.

"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Jun 20, 2008 9:55 AM EDT reply actions

I'm don't want Rick to have go through something bad

but it might be fun to have him volunteer in, say, an extra innings situation like that. He K’s the side, then smiles and never pitches again.

by sdrone on Jun 20, 2008 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions

Although

that would be one of the most amazing things to see in baseball, if he did it Cardinals fans would never stop calling for him to return to pitching.

by stl522 on Jun 20, 2008 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd like to see him pitch, at age 38

or whatever, in his last ML game before retiring. That would be cool.

by MdRedbirdFreak on Jun 20, 2008 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm a bit in the dark here but......

AZ, you mentioned that Rasmus should still roam center when he comes up, and bump Ank to right. I have read a bit on Da Raz over at Future Redbirds, and I’m just a bit curious. Is he THAT good in center?

The reason I ask, is that Ankiel is literally one of THE BEST center fielders in the game today. He gets great jumps, runs well, and throws laser beams from the field. I suppose the reasoning is that with his superior arm, he is a natural right fielder.

I’m just wondering, because I really do get that warm, fuzzy feeling when I see Rick in center field.

Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.

by Eckstreem on Jun 20, 2008 10:02 AM EDT reply actions

I made that comment somewhat facetiously.

I’ll be interested to see what an entire season’s of defensive data looks like for Rick Ankiel especially from some of the more advanced systems like PMR, UZR and the +/- system. If I’m ambivalent towards Rick, I’m just as attached to Rasmus; I’ll freely admit that I’m biased on this topic.

I’m not sure there’s a wrong decision either way. If the team doesn’t plan to retain Ankiel long term, then they need to just start playing Rasmus in center but if not the tandem will make for a fantastic defensive arrangement regardless of who is in right and who is in center. Without looking at the numbers, I also suspect that the outfield defense this year has played a significant role in the Cardinals success. Having Schumaker or Ludwick in left field along with Rasmus and Ankiel would probably be the best defensive outfield in all of baseball.

by azruavatar on Jun 20, 2008 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions

can't wait

to see that outfield! although I’d have Colby in right or left

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions

FWIW

the outfield we have right now is the second-best in baseball, defensively, by RZR…

"the hardest decision to make is to do nothing; there is a terrible temptation to interfere." -gen patton

by SleepyCA on Jun 20, 2008 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions

awesome

that’s good to hear. I knew we had a great outfield!

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I took over 100 pictures from the two Royal games I went to.

About 50 of them were of Ankiel. What can I say. Im not gay. But if I was… No that wouldn’t work.

But Ankiel is my favorite cardinal playing right now. Im not to worried about the drop in average. In fact, if we go back to our player predictions most people had Ankiel around .250 I believe.

by Evilfrog on Jun 20, 2008 10:08 AM EDT reply actions

I, too, take a zillion pics of Ankiel when I go to games...

but I’m a girl, so I guess it’s different.

After the Rolen and Edmonds trades (my #1 and 2 over the past few years), I decided I would use this year to determine who my new favorite Cardinal would be. I always thought it would end up being Wainwright, but Ankiel has been slowly winning me over as the season goes on (man, I’m a sucker for ball players who play great defense).

by launchshuttle on Jun 20, 2008 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions

"do you girls think Rick Ankiel is hot?

My X doesn’t but even I DO!!” is a line that gets me into groups of girls at sports bars.

It’s funny because it’s true.

"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"

by rocKStark5 on Jun 20, 2008 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions

Ehh

He’s no Jason LaRue

Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy!
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by Mr Redbird on Jun 20, 2008 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions

true statement

I think it’s the facial hair.

by launchshuttle on Jun 20, 2008 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions

He's definitely easy on the eyes.

by launchshuttle on Jun 20, 2008 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions

+1

by cardsgirl95 on Jun 20, 2008 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions

+1

Wainwright’s not bad either. I see your dilemma.

by thisgirllovesbaseball on Jun 20, 2008 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I'll see your dilemma and raise you a quandry

When cheese gets its picture taken, what does it say?

by RosevilleRedbird on Jun 20, 2008 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions

No love for

Ludwick??

Personally I’d say Pujols is the best looking man I’ve ever seen but my “thing” exclusively resides in baseball playing ability.

"Regression to the mean is so much more fun to watch when it’s a Cub who is regressing." SleepyCA

by joker24 on Jun 20, 2008 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Ludwick

Am I the only person who thinks Ludwick looks like Cameron from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”??

Bueller?...Bueller?...Bueller?

by launchshuttle on Jun 20, 2008 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Maybe in that picture

But I don’t normally see it. In his Gameday pic last year, I thought he looked like Brendan Frazer

Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy!
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by Mr Redbird on Jun 20, 2008 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions

A young

Tom Hanks gets my vote

Well who the hell can see forever?

by Alxfritz on Jun 20, 2008 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions

+1

excellent observation

by soccerfreak on Jun 20, 2008 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions

he has a very tall head

it almost looks like the photo has been squished horizontally

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Wow.

You got some balls using lines like that. But then again, the waitresses at Hooters aren’t very discriminating.

I have discovered in twenty years of moving around a ball park, that the knowledge of the game is usually in inverse proportion to the price of the seats. ~Bill Veeck

by bukowski on Jun 20, 2008 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions

lol yeah right,

hired guns are much harder to pick up because every Joe Sportsbar thinks they can and tries. Not only have they heard it all, but many times. Not to mention they are paid to flirt with you so you never really know how well you’re doing.

The south park episode raisins was fall down hilarious.

"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"

by rocKStark5 on Jun 20, 2008 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions

am i the only one

that thinks he looks kind of cross eyed?
At least when he is batting

If you are in St. Louis check out my band, Griffin and the Gargoyles
(formerly Gargoyle Reign, Gargoyle Lounge)

www.GriffinandtheGargoyles.com
www.myspace.com/GriffinandtheGargoyles

:-D

by jealousblues on Jun 20, 2008 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Ankiel is my favorite player also...

well, except for Pujols. and Ludwick has made a case for himself (tied with rick for me), and Yadi is up there too along with Wainer. sucks that 3 outta 5 of my faves are hurt right now!

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I have to agree

With guys like ank, pujols, molina, wainer, luddy, carp…man, hopefully this team will be full of favorites for years to come!!

by soccerfreak on Jun 20, 2008 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Rasmus/Ankiel

I will preface this by saying that I have never ever SEEN Rasmus play in person…or on television. I’ve just heard the beautiful rumors of “future all-star” or “cornerstone player” and more.

If Rasmus is half the outfielder that people say he is, then I think it would be better for the team if he is in right field in the immediate future. Ankiel seems to be a little lost as a corner outfielder to me. He seems much more comfortable in center…it seems he sees the ball off of the bat better and gets a great jump. If Rasmus can see the ball of the bat well in right and can still cover the same ground, then we can afford to “hide” a bat in left field because Ankiel and Rasmus could cover a TON of ground from left center to the right field line.

by stlfan on Jun 20, 2008 10:27 AM EDT reply actions

sorry....this comment

was supposed to be a reply…two above.

by stlfan on Jun 20, 2008 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions

good point

Ankiel seems a lock in center to me. let Colby take over right!

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Does Ankiel get better reads...

from center because it is a similar angle to what would be seen from the mound? As a lefty he would fall off to the right (left field side), which means he has never really been able to see the ball come off the bat from the other side. Keep Ank in center.

by Jumsy on Jun 20, 2008 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions

What about left field?

If Ankiel fell off to the left field side and can read it better from left/center…and Rasmus is THAT good in center…which would be a bigger waste: Ankiel’s arm in LF or Rasmus’ defense in right field? That may be the question that the Cardinals need to answer.

by stlfan on Jun 21, 2008 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions

This makes me happy.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/47E514501DEB9E158625746E000DBD71?OpenDocument

La Russa said that Molina, after going through an ImPACT neurological test on Wednesday, was not cleared to play yet on Thursday

So they are doing actually testing and basing the decision to start him off of that. Instead of, “well we gave him a good days rest he should be good to go.”

by Evilfrog on Jun 20, 2008 10:44 AM EDT reply actions

I don't see how that makes you happy

I have a bittersweet feeling reading that. I’m glad that he’s getting necessary rest, but I’m hoping for a fast and full recovery.

Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy!
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by Mr Redbird on Jun 20, 2008 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions

Well. Im not happy that he is hurt and not ready to go.

I am happy that he isn’t playing while he is hurt and not ready to go.

by Evilfrog on Jun 20, 2008 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions

that article also went on to say

that Molina is flying to Boston with the team – something that Edmonds wasn’t allowed to do (fly) until he was cleared in the head

good sign, it would seem, but I still hope they don’t rush this kid back sooner than necessary

Pitchers Hit Eighth

by Pitchers Hit Eighth on Jun 20, 2008 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions

azru

It appears your baseball addiction roughly followed the path of mine (or did mine follow yours?). My dad’s never really been into baseball (not nearly as much as football, anyways), I kinda discovered my baseball passion all on my own…

Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy!
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by Mr Redbird on Jun 20, 2008 10:48 AM EDT reply actions

Roughly the same for myself.

My dad was and is a diehard Cardinals fan, though he hates all other teams. He’s the ultimate homer and the Cardinals are the only team that matters, ever. I ended up, somewhere along the line, becoming a baseball fan first and a Cardinals fan just a fraction behind it.

I’ve come to feel like I wouldn’t be near the Cardinals fan that I am (which is pretty god damn big, to be quite frank) had I not immersed myself so much in every facet of the game of baseball. The number of games I have come to watch per year have increased season by season. I don’t miss a Cardinals game if there’s another game on during the Cardinals I TiVo it on another satellite and watch it later.

My dad still isn’t that big an overall baseball fan, not nearly as much as he is with football. He had no problem sitting down and watching any football game on Sunday. I am fine with that, I also absolutely love football (along with soccer, and hockey, and tennis, and on and on an on.). However, he still bitches anytime I watch a game involving the Red Sox or the Yankees and bitches ENDLESSLY if it’s the Red Sox and the Yankees playing each other.

So, my passion for baseball was ignited initially by my parents being such big Cardinals fans, but I have ended up taking it to the next level with a bookshelf full of books both about the Cards and other teams, about statistical analysis, some historical analysis, and just general baseball history and commentary. This game has alongside music, become the driving force in my life. I’ve never experienced a drought so difficult in my life than the annual off-season that we all have to endure.

by mynameistyler on Jun 20, 2008 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions

same here

music and baseball are my 2 favorite things in life. my dad was a pretty big fan, but no expert whatsoever. my mom was actually a bigger fan, having been to many ballparks and traveling more than ol’ pops. this made it easy for me to become a fan (although it helped that they won in ‘82!) and the way I became an even bigger fan than my parents was the local radio station that played cardinals games (they were on the tv quite often too). the cards always have the most interesting players, and Ankiel is perfect example of this.

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions

The Natural

Living in Iowa, you can get to see a lot of the Cardinal minor leaguers with a bit of effort. I always make a point of going to the two I-Cubs vs. Memphis series (except this year when the first fell on the eve of my final exams). In addition, my boss in the Iowa Senate is from Davenport, home of the then-Quad Cities Swing, for whom Ankiel played. That was when I first saw him play in person, as an outfielder.

I am one of those who likes to get to the ballpark early and watch BP and warm-ups. This trip was no exception. Even from afar it was as clear as day who Rick Ankiel was. He was the one who looked like a natural while playing catch—someone destined for the big leagues (even if he had already had his destiny spoiled by a bizarre series of setbacks). Seeing him the following year, while he was whacking homers for the Memphis Redbirds only re-affirmed my believe in his destiny.

And, after going through all the we went through with Ankiel to see him rise from the ashes like a Phoenix in St. Louis late last summer gave me goosebumps with every HR, double, and outfield throw. I tuned into the Cardinal games as much for Ankiels ABs as for the game, something I can’t say a player has made me do since Big Mac in 1998.

Az chornicled the revelations in terms of defense and walk rate this years. But, how about those throws in Colorado? They were like those old CGI Powerade commercials, but they were real. It was another chapter in the story of this one-of-a-kind talent. It’s been both fun and satisfying to cheer on Rick Ankiel during his renaissance.

by bgh on Jun 20, 2008 11:40 AM EDT reply actions

I nver made it over to the QC

while Ank was there(stupid work obligations), but you can bet your ass I won’t make that same mistake with the Walrus

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 20, 2008 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions

DO IT!

I missed Ankiel’s blast out of the Dell Diamond last year because I was “too tired to drive” after work.

by random on Jun 20, 2008 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Rick Ankiel

is easily the best athlete on the team. He is one of the Best Natural athletes in any sport.
Athletes like Rick sometimes have special problems,”needs”. I’ve been saying all year that Ankiel is being victimized by LaRusa when he is placed in high stress spots in the batting order, to compensate for the under producing Glaus and Duncan…........ Ankiel’s problem as a batter is the inability to make adjustments. Its no wonder he failed as a pitcher which is a position of constant adjustments. The question is why. Why is change so hard?
I would speculate that this problem is a self-esteem related impediment that sometimes follows a gifted child under severe parental pressure. Fear of failure manifests in many different ways…....... I’m not going to itemize my personnel observations, but I will say again, Rick Ankiel is not bullet proof. He could become too troubled to perform well. This would be a great loss to the sport and all his fans.

Westcoastbirdwatcher

by westcoastbirdwatcher on Jun 20, 2008 12:14 PM EDT reply actions

I see what you are saying Birdwatcher

and this has been kinda’ my concern, but it is not beyond the realm of possibility that Ankiel will again pitch someday. People begin change in their thirties and the thoughts and concerns of the twenties fade. Somewhere between the mid thirties and forty and after some solid years as an outfielder but the bat has slowed a little and the next generation is pushing a little, Rick could think about another switch to relief pitcher and I would not bet against him being able to pull it off.

by ridgesee on Jun 20, 2008 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions

I personally

don’t think we’ll ever see Rick pitch again, whether that’s good or bad, we may never know

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions

IMO it definitely can't be bad

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DFA Adam Kennedy!
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans

by Mr Redbird on Jun 20, 2008 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions

his insanely accurate throws from the fence in center field though

are encouraging about his throwing ability, but not sure that means he can be a “pitcher”. maybe it just shows that he was meant to play center field

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions

in my opinion it means

that he can throw without having to think too much, very much unlike pitching

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 20, 2008 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Bandwagon

This article on ESPN about band wagon fans made me laugh.

by gdowdy on Jun 20, 2008 12:15 PM EDT reply actions

My favorite part...

“3. Get the family involved
Now that you are plastered with team apparel, it’s time to get the wife and kids on board as well. You’ll want to get the Mrs. a pink team shirt. A pink hat, too. Maybe even a jean jacket with the team logo on the back in rhinestones. Classy!”

Love Gallo, but Simmons will always be the fav (even though he’s a red sox and pats fan).

by launchshuttle on Jun 20, 2008 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Simmons...

Has he had any baseball articals this year? Everything lately has been about the Celtics

by Evilfrog on Jun 20, 2008 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions

If I were paid to write nationally and it didn't matter if I spent it on my teams

I’d write 90% on the Cardinals/Blues and largely not pay attention to any other sport when they were in the playofffs either. Can’t blame him for doing that, and oddly enough I still like reading his stuff on that anyway.

"Regression to the mean is so much more fun to watch when it’s a Cub who is regressing." SleepyCA

by joker24 on Jun 20, 2008 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions

The Sports Guy

I think he was excited to be able to write about the Celtics for once this year, so pretty much all of his articles have been NBA or NFL related. I think he’s had a few baseball related ones, but he only talks AL…since he really only follows the AL.

by launchshuttle on Jun 20, 2008 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions

I've said it before

and I’ll say it again. What Ankiel has done is amazing.

After some of the plays Edmonds made while patrolling CF for the Birds, I thought it would be a long time before someone made me go “holy shit” again in the Cardinals’ CF.

Ankiel has done that for me no fewer than 5 times this season.

Pitchers Hit Eighth

by Pitchers Hit Eighth on Jun 20, 2008 12:24 PM EDT reply actions

Ank does look a lot like Jimmy in his prime in the field and somewhat at the plate.

"Why does he keep saying that?"

by Red Blazer on Jun 20, 2008 12:25 PM EDT reply actions

Somewhat at the plate

you mean swinging at fastballs in his eyes? :D

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 20, 2008 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, I always thought

he looked like one those guys from the Lollipop Guild when he’s at bat. That squint he does just makes me chuckle every time I see it.

by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Jun 20, 2008 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions

actually yes. also he has a streaky bat with plus plus power. very similar.

"Why does he keep saying that?"

by Red Blazer on Jun 20, 2008 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Not at the plate

after all, Ankiel doesn’t keep his knees in the strike zone and his shoulders in the dugout

They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...

by Valatan on Jun 20, 2008 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Ankiel isn't in his prime as a hitter

Just think how good he can be. He made it all the way to the bigs as a hitter, he is doing decent at the plate, and he still hasnt had 1000 PA. Learning on the job and doing well.

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 20, 2008 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions

And he's 30 years old

hopefully he hits his prime before he starts his decline.

by Tackle Box on Jun 20, 2008 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Ankiel turns 28 in July...

"the hardest decision to make is to do nothing; there is a terrible temptation to interfere." -gen patton

by SleepyCA on Jun 20, 2008 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions

2008-1979

= 30 on July 19

by Tackle Box on Jun 20, 2008 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions

?

???

Well who the hell can see forever?

by Alxfritz on Jun 20, 2008 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions

excuse me

but your math is off

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 20, 2008 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Whoops

29 in July. He still isn’t 28, though.

by Tackle Box on Jun 20, 2008 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions

he’s 28 for another month

by redrey on Jun 20, 2008 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions

I guess if you want to nit pick

But he’s 29 days away from turning 29, it’s not like anything magical happens on that exact day. 29 days.

by Tackle Box on Jun 20, 2008 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions

oops

my bad, B-R says this is his age 28 season. I didn’t realize that they use your age on april 30th for that.

Thought it was the age you finish the season at…

"the hardest decision to make is to do nothing; there is a terrible temptation to interfere." -gen patton

by SleepyCA on Jun 20, 2008 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions

while Jimmy had a few good years before 30, esp 25

he really didn’t hit his prime until he was…

wait for it…

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 20, 2008 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions

and how many years was he a hitter before he hit his prime?

Guys don’t just majically hit their prime at a certain age. Usually these guys build up to it with a combination of age, maturity and experiences.

Experience is something Rick is lacking in tremendously.

by Tackle Box on Jun 20, 2008 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions

no they don't

some hit it at 30, some . like albert, hit it much earlier. I was just saying that just because he is 28 doesnt mean that he wont hit it soon or in time to have a productive ML career.

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 20, 2008 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Experience

You’re still comparing him to players who have been working on being professional hitters since they were 19. He didn’t start until he was 27.

by Tackle Box on Jun 20, 2008 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions

I am not. You were reading it as if I was

I am comparing him to himself.
Everyone is different.
He might turn into the the next great hitter next year.
He might never turn into a great hitter.
I am just saying he still has time to be a productive major league hitter

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 20, 2008 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions

all this because

I didn’t catch that Red BLazer said somewhat at the plate.
So I agree with Red.

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 20, 2008 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions

I get what you are saying

and your point is valid that he hasn’t hit his prime when you look at plate appearances (experience). My point is that it’s difficult to wait for someone to hit their prime when they are just starting out about the time guys are hitting their prime.

by Tackle Box on Jun 20, 2008 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Point taken

Mine is that he is doing well enough now, and if he gets as good as I think he can he will be a great hitter. I am patient with Rick.
I am even gonna try to be more patient with Dunc, HC has won me over with his logic.

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 20, 2008 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm not sold on Dunc

I think we’ve seen the best he’s ever going to be. How many times have we seen hitters take the league by storm (Joe McEwing ring a bell?), only to see the league figure them out. The difference in Dunc is his abiltiy to hit for power which has mysteriously disappeared for quite a while which is cause for concern.

Ankiel on the other hand, is superior to Duncan in every aspect of the game. He’s a natural (pardon the reference), but I believe he is no better than a .270 hitter most due to his highs and lows. Some people are fine with that and you sure as hell can do worse than a .270 guy who put’s 25-30 dingers on the board and plays great defense.

by Tackle Box on Jun 20, 2008 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions

yes

that is the one thing Ankiel has to overcome, swinging at the high fastball. That is what he is being fed with 2 strikes on him and he can’t hit it and can’t lay off.

by ridgesee on Jun 20, 2008 12:34 PM EDT reply actions

cough couch Hitting Coach cough cough

Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy!
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans

by Mr Redbird on Jun 20, 2008 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Ahh but much like Edmonds....

no hitting coach in the world could talk Jimmy out of swinging at that fastball up by his ears. It may be the same for Ank.

Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.

by Eckstreem on Jun 20, 2008 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah but...

Edmonds could knock the shit out of that sucker sometimes.

by ridgesee on Jun 20, 2008 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions

http://www.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20041020&content_id=900869&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl

"Regression to the mean is so much more fun to watch when it’s a Cub who is regressing." SleepyCA

by joker24 on Jun 20, 2008 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions

:D

Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy!
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans

by Mr Redbird on Jun 20, 2008 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Was this a better Home Run than Pujols in '05?

This helped get us to the WS when our backs were against the wall. Pujols’ homer didn’t get us to the WS… but it did ruin Lidge and the night for all the ‘srtos fans and made you think that Pujols could do anything. I don’t know which I like more.

It is fun to see Lidge die inside. I don’t know.

by Harknights on Jun 20, 2008 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Well I was actually watching this HR

And yelled like no other.

The Pujols HR, I was watching with my roommate who is from Houston, and I decided I’d had enough, and I had a big Biochemistry test the next day. I left in the 8th inning and went downstairs to study. One of my other roommates was a Cards fan, and he kept watching. Around twenty minutes after I started studying, I hear all this stomping above me. I think it’s probably the Astros fan rubbing it in the Cards fan’s face. Maybe thirty minutes later I pull out my phone to check what the final score was, and we WON! Taught me to walk out on a playoff game!

Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy!
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans

by Mr Redbird on Jun 20, 2008 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I was in an Austin bar

and I yelled loudly, too

They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...

by Valatan on Jun 20, 2008 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions

The Pujols home run was better

in my mind for two reasons: I got to see Nolan Ryan and the entire Astros franchise go from complete jubilation to utter shock in about 10 seconds, and the home run extended the series to allow me to attend the last game ever at Busch Stadium. By that time, everyone kind of knew the Astros would win the series, so it seemed fitting to have one last game to say farewell to old Busch.

Rockin' the Red

by rockin the red on Jun 20, 2008 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Not to mention

George and Barbara rooting on front and center behind Ausmus. I love watching the replay, seeing the former president and first lady standing and applauding and then BOOM. Everyone take a seat.

by paposse on Jun 20, 2008 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions

NY Times Article on Lidge after the Homer

Never heard this before. Classic.

To help Lidge deal with his forgettable night, Ausmus planned a creative way to tease him on the flight from Houston to St. Louis for Game 6. Ausmus dropped off a script for the pilot, who told the Astros that the airplane had reached cruising altitude and that, if they looked outside for the next three miles, they might see Pujols’s home run ball. Everyone, including Lidge, thought it was hilarious.

by paposse on Jun 20, 2008 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh, that's funny.

She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.

by jillsinmo on Jun 20, 2008 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Lidge

That was just an all around rough fall for Lidge.

by paposse on Jun 20, 2008 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Mr. and Mrs. George H. W. Bush

the night the Mang ruined Lidge

C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!

by yer dog first on Jun 20, 2008 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions

nice

the look of horror in their eyes is priceless

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Looks like it took years off Barb's life

Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy!
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans

by Mr Redbird on Jun 20, 2008 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions

anyone have a link to video

of this home run?

I’m also looking for highlights of the home runs he robbed against CIN in 2006 – particularly the “I never saw it” one (I vividly remember reading his lips as he trotted off the field)

Pitchers Hit Eighth

by Pitchers Hit Eighth on Jun 20, 2008 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions

i was listening to the game on the radio at work, and i girl i worked with who hardly followed baseball totally called it: “eckstein gets a hit, edmonds walks, and pujols hits a home run.” i was in shock.

scroll down to the highlights, the videos there:

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/ps/y2005/video.jsp?view=hou_stl

by adiueordie on Jun 20, 2008 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions

dang

how i love watching that

by soccerfreak on Jun 20, 2008 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions

I was talking about the Edmonds HR in 2004

looks like MLB doesn’t archive that far back :(

Pitchers Hit Eighth

by Pitchers Hit Eighth on Jun 22, 2008 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions

i think the most enlightening thing about this post is....

that azru and i are the same age…man i thought my life was going good…i’m in pt school and getting married in a month…but two have two very successful blogs on the net…about the cardinals no less…i’m jealous

by VolsnCards5 on Jun 20, 2008 1:38 PM EDT reply actions

i just realized that might sound sarcastic

its not…i’m serious…i’m no bob costas

by VolsnCards5 on Jun 20, 2008 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Ankiel.......before the Bigs

The Ank story is certainly a legendary one but….............I was hooked hard on the Ank long before the story that most know ever happened.

Ankiel was the first minor leaguer that I avidly followed by checking his box score every 5 days. Actually, I probably followed the cumulative stats because his meteoric rise through the minors pre-dated all the nifty internet tools currently at our disposal.

I can’t imagine the hype that Future Redbirds, VEB and others would have piled on this young man had those eyes been peeled at that time.

What they would have seen was some absolutely unbelievable eye-popping numbers – win after win after shutout after shutout after strikeout. If I had more time, I would look up the numbers because they were staggering.

Clearly, we were seeing (in stats only), at that time, a phenom on the rise. I guess what I’m saying is, I was infatuated with Rick Ankiel long before he hit Stl because of the legendary pitching lines he put up in the minors. In fact, based on his stats, I always envisioned him as about 7 feet tall and big as a house. I was a little surprised when I first saw him in uniform – a year or two after I started following him.

by Hinkster on Jun 20, 2008 1:46 PM EDT reply actions

Press Conference at Fenway before today's game

Just heard that there will be an emergency press conference at Fenway before today’s game. The rumor is that in light of Jay Gibbon’s firing and the return of Cito Gaston to the Blue Jays, the Cardinals (following losing 3 games in a row to the Royals for only the second time since 1985) while be relieving Tony LaRussa of his duties. Effective immediately, Whitey Herzog will take over the managerial duties of the team.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 20, 2008 2:26 PM EDT reply actions

I heard the same rumor from a friend in Boston

also heard that Whitey has been out at Grant’s Farm talking to the ghost of Gussie and plotting mega-multi-player deals with SD and Milwaukee

on a semi-serious note, I heard that Ken Oberkfell is the new favorite son of the Wilpons and that his promotion to Mets coach is a step toward his future job – manager

by Hinkster on Jun 20, 2008 2:28 PM EDT reply actions

That's really strange

because I was just listening to Steve Stone on the radio and he was talking about how unhappy Hendry was with Pinella’s handling of the pitching staff and the recent sweep at the hands of the Rays. He said that there are whispers that should the Cubs be swept by the White Sox this weekend, Sweet Lou will be out as manager. He said sources from the Reds have already begun to put the wheels in motion that should this happen, Dusty will be fired and Sweet Lou will be named New (old) Reds manager.

Strange times.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 20, 2008 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Stupid stupid stupid

Firing Lou Piniella would be the DUMBEST thing they could do

Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy!
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans

by Mr Redbird on Jun 20, 2008 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Dumb

which is why they should do it.

=-)

C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!

by yer dog first on Jun 20, 2008 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions

anyone see the headlines on the Cardinals mlb page?

“Cards’ Kennedy carries hot bat to Boston”
you’ve got to be kidding me?

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 2:49 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah

I laughed. Turns out he had a few hits years ago with Anaheim. I guess that means he is a shoe-in for big numbers tonight.

by paposse on Jun 20, 2008 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Maybe those

singles somehow bounce over the short short fence down the line in right and turn into doubles?

by Jumsy on Jun 20, 2008 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions

No it's true

About an hour before the plane took off, the club turned the oven on about 450 degrees and placed Kennedy’s bat in there. Management then told him to “carry it” on the plane to Boston as punishment for his suckitude this season.

Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy!
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans

by Mr Redbird on Jun 20, 2008 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions

thus burning his hands and landing him on the DL

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Which, strangely enough, coincides.....

with the Cards catching fire and running away with the NL Central after Zambrano has season-ending shoulder surgery.

Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.

by Eckstreem on Jun 20, 2008 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions

now that would be nice

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Hey, a hot bat for Kennedy is a .250 avg.

Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.

by Eckstreem on Jun 20, 2008 2:53 PM EDT reply actions

Not true...

He’s actually hit .267 in the last week

Actually looking at the hitting for the last week, a couple things stand out. They’ve stopped walking for one, 7 walks in the last 6 games. While the team batted only .233, their OBP was only .256

Barton has only had 2 PAs in the last week. I really hate the rule 5 draft, it seems like they just waste a year of a player’s development having him sit on the bench (and you play with a short bench).

No one but Skip is really hitting. Maybe he should bat 3rd?

Start Ludwick

by DiscoJer on Jun 20, 2008 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Cubs already up on the sox

we’ll have to take care of the red variety tonight

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 3:06 PM EDT reply actions

now it's tied

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Absolute Cock Shot by Dye

by Tackle Box on Jun 20, 2008 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions

3 to 1 now

sweet

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Speaking of Ank,

this weekend would be a helluva time for him to go on one of those hot streaks. We need ALL hands on deck for this series. And the thought of Red Sox fans enjoying this weekend’s series just makes me ill.

by MdRedbirdFreak on Jun 20, 2008 3:34 PM EDT reply actions

yeah

we really need Rick to go on a tear, and/or figure things out at the plate right now. Glaus could help a little more too though.

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Troy's been awfully good during June.

But If TLR throws Miles in at SS during this series I may have to kill myself.

by MdRedbirdFreak on Jun 20, 2008 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions

short porch

ANK should have no problem handling the Ortiz corner of the park

LETS GO CARDS!

C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!

by yer dog first on Jun 20, 2008 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions

radio commercial when I woke up this morning

I can’t remember if it was for the FOX game or the TBS game, but I hear…

“MANNY RAMIREZ AND THE RED HOT J. D. DREW…” (and I cringe…)

and then I wait to see what it says about the Cardinals…

”...AND THE CARDINALS HAVE AN EXTRA BAAAT!”

Fear the mighty extra bat, Red Sox.

I have a love/hate relationship with the Cardinals' middle relief corps.

by madding on Jun 20, 2008 4:00 PM EDT reply actions

The extra bat is.............

Adam Kennedy

boo cubs, hooray beer

by Raconteur on Jun 20, 2008 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions

good read az

what hit me the most was you were 13! in 1998. damn i’m old

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!

by gdm426 on Jun 20, 2008 4:01 PM EDT reply actions

Seriously

get your robot ass of my lawn, AZ!

Well who the hell can see forever?

by Alxfritz on Jun 20, 2008 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I think I'm almost 10 years older than azru!

wow

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions

me too

but I still curled up into a ball and weeped (well, maybe not weeped…) when Ankiel had his meltdown.

I have a love/hate relationship with the Cardinals' middle relief corps.

by madding on Jun 20, 2008 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions

I knew it was bad at the time

but in hindsight, it looks even worse when mentioning his minor league numbers.

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Same here

I think azru’s cred just took a hit.

Awwww. Isn’t that the cutest little robot you ever did see!!!!!

by Tackle Box on Jun 20, 2008 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions

*

off

Well who the hell can see forever?

by Alxfritz on Jun 20, 2008 4:07 PM EDT reply actions

Damn it

I suck at this today.

Well who the hell can see forever?

by Alxfritz on Jun 20, 2008 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions

favorite comment

by azruavatar on Jun 20, 2008 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Adam Kennedy is our DH Today

let that sink in to your brains.

boo cubs, hooray beer

by Raconteur on Jun 20, 2008 4:11 PM EDT reply actions

per bernie

Izturis
Schumaker
Ludwick
Ankiel
Glaus
Duncan
Molina
Kennedy (DH)
Miles

by StLHugo on Jun 20, 2008 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions

wait a sec

Ryan isn’t even starting?

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions

i was thinking the same damn thing

Why are Barton and Ryan not starting over Kennedy?

by StLHugo on Jun 20, 2008 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions

damn it!

stupid Kennedy. dude better do some hitting tonight is all I gotta say

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Bernie has a great

look at that today.
AK is officially the worst . DH. ever.
No one will argue with that statement, will they?

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 20, 2008 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions

wow

he wins the contest with Jose Vidro by one point of OPS+.

So he’s at least the worst DH that will be playing today…

"the hardest decision to make is to do nothing; there is a terrible temptation to interfere." -gen patton

by SleepyCA on Jun 20, 2008 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions

you just had to argue didn't you

I admit I did no research on that…I pulled it out of my ass and still almost nailed it.

Really, thanks for making me look like I almost knew what I was writing about

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 20, 2008 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions

AK & Mini Me have no business starting

no fucking business at all

really Tony? AK as your DH? what the fuck?

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!

by gdm426 on Jun 20, 2008 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions

no, you were right

i wasn’t arguing, i was telling you you were right ;) AK is worse than vidro by a point of OPS+.

"the hardest decision to make is to do nothing; there is a terrible temptation to interfere." -gen patton

by SleepyCA on Jun 20, 2008 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Why is it so hard to understand?

Kennedy bats lefty. Ryan bats righty. Therefore, Kennedy is obviously better against the right handed pitcher!!!

Genius!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Tackle Box on Jun 20, 2008 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Looper should be the DH. Or hell, put Lohse as the DH,

and put AK in the field.

That was a real test," Soriano said of the play. "He didn’t call the ball, I didn’t call the ball, but I saw him close to the ball and I let him get the ball."

by Cardsfan_inCHI on Jun 20, 2008 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions

2B Defense

There scariest part is, if for argument’s sake this is the best offensive lineup, Tony feels Miles is a better fielder than Kennedy.

by tjgila on Jun 20, 2008 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions

wow

how does that work… I’d rather see Looper!

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions

It works

for complete lack of punch at the bottom of the lineup. Oh, and it works as fodder for the opposition to scoff and mock.

I hope Yadi isnt coming back too soon. Id rather not see him go the way of the Matheny.

C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!

by yer dog first on Jun 20, 2008 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Ditto

I do not like seeing Yadi’s name in tonight’s lineup. It is too soon.

by cardsgirl95 on Jun 20, 2008 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions

agreed

completely agreed.

Yadi, your health is muy importante than a W in the left column.

C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!

by yer dog first on Jun 20, 2008 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions

más importante

They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...

by Valatan on Jun 20, 2008 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions

with the combination of english and 'mock' spanish

I really wasnt trying to be accurate

C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!

by yer dog first on Jun 20, 2008 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions

unless he gets a homer tonight

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions

even if he does

what good is it if it hurts him further by being out there?

that has to have some weight.

C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!

by yer dog first on Jun 20, 2008 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions

obviously

I’m just saying maybe he wasn’t hurt as bad as what we’re assuming. some people are made of tougher stuff than others. but you’re right, they shouldn’t F around with a concussion (if there was one)

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions

if there was one

I dont see them keeping out GG caliber C out of these past games if there was nothing to be concerned about. I agree, they shouldnt mess around, the brain is a very delicate, intricate, part of the body; not even leading brain surgeons know what makes it tick.

C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!

by yer dog first on Jun 20, 2008 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions

the brain

is the most complicated object in the known universe

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions

the eye

has to be up there too.

yes, they know how it works, but not why it works.

C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!

by yer dog first on Jun 20, 2008 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions

is it sort of like the camera?

don’t the both flip the image?

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions

not sure

I just remember watching a Discovery channel bit on marvels of the human body. They said they can figure out the cones and rods, et al. But, the why it works like it does with the dimensions, colors, contrasts, and all that jazz; the answer eludes them.

C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!

by yer dog first on Jun 20, 2008 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah

and why does it only pick up a certain spectrum of light, etc.

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I thought most of that stuff happened in the brain anyway

And the cones and rods absorbption spectra determined the spectrum of light we saw

They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...

by Valatan on Jun 20, 2008 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions

ah yes

but you can get by without an eye
not so much without a brain, in spite of Tony trying to prove otherwise with tonight’s lineup

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 20, 2008 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Correction

The *female brain is the most complicated object in the universe.

"Regression to the mean is so much more fun to watch when it’s a Cub who is regressing." SleepyCA

by joker24 on Jun 20, 2008 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions

maybe the most complicated in the way it thinks

but they are basically the same structurally.
good joke though :)

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions

I just thought up a new quote:

Thinking objectively can get very complicated, especially when considering the human brain is the most complex object in the universe.

wrap your brain around that one

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions

More complicated

than a woman?

I kid.

by Tackle Box on Jun 20, 2008 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions

ah

the joker beat me to it.

by Tackle Box on Jun 20, 2008 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions

as I pointed out above.

He isn’t being sent out base on “oh, we gave him some time off so we and he says he is fine.”

Before the season they ran an ImPACT neurological exam on him. Which measures the chemical level in the brain.(if I am reading this correctly.) And they wont send him back out thier until his level is back to normal. Tony confirmed that they ran a test on him wenesday night, and because of the resaults he was held out of the line up. So I assume he was tested again before being cleared.

by Evilfrog on Jun 20, 2008 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions

I hope youre right

and that the test was run before the lineup construction.

C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!

by yer dog first on Jun 20, 2008 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Maybe it's time to run

one on Tony for coming up with this lineup.

by ubeddie on Jun 20, 2008 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm okay with Yadi in the lineup

It’s one less auto-out for the Redsox. Plus, even though the injury looked terrible, the severity of its looks was more due to precaution than anything. Plus, Yadi is nails. I don’t think he would go out there if he still got woozy everytime he stood up quickly.

That was a real test," Soriano said of the play. "He didn’t call the ball, I didn’t call the ball, but I saw him close to the ball and I let him get the ball."

by Cardsfan_inCHI on Jun 20, 2008 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions

the best part

is that it prevents Jason LaRue from playing

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Kinda contradictory

Plus, Yadi is nails. I don’t think he would go out there if he still got woozy everytime he stood up quickly.

"Regression to the mean is so much more fun to watch when it’s a Cub who is regressing." SleepyCA

by joker24 on Jun 20, 2008 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions

I was thinking the same thing

It’s guys like him and Pujols that you have to protect because they will lie to you about their health.

by Tackle Box on Jun 20, 2008 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm just thrilled

We get a chance to show all this middle infield pop we have. Kennedy at DH…..hard to fathom and not much else I can say

by Merry CRasmus on Jun 20, 2008 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions

it's kinda like when he went into albert's spot that one game

he was batting 3rd

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Somebody asked the other day

How much opposing teams laugh when they hear “now pinch hitting, #7, Adam Kennedy”...how much with the Red Sox laugh when they hear “now batting, the designated hitter, #7, Adam Kennedy”?

Seriously, TLR…If you must have Kennedy in the lineup, at least let him play 2nd. He’s the best defender at the keystone you’ve got.

Terrible, terrible, terrible roster construction IMO…

Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy!
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans

by Mr Redbird on Jun 20, 2008 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions

FUCK. D. Lee just donged.

3-2 sox.

That was a real test," Soriano said of the play. "He didn’t call the ball, I didn’t call the ball, but I saw him close to the ball and I let him get the ball."

by Cardsfan_inCHI on Jun 20, 2008 4:45 PM EDT reply actions

Well, howdy doo to you, Mr. Dotel!

We’ve got back to back jacks. Score tied 3-3…..

She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.

by jillsinmo on Jun 20, 2008 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions

crap!

those cubbies are annoying this year!

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions

+1000

by cardsgirl95 on Jun 20, 2008 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Anyone see the line-up yet....Kennedy is the DH.

"Why does he keep saying that?"

by Red Blazer on Jun 20, 2008 5:14 PM EDT reply actions

yep

wonders never cease

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions

gah

terrible.

let’s hope for a better result out of the Cards game…

I have a love/hate relationship with the Cardinals' middle relief corps.

by madding on Jun 20, 2008 5:25 PM EDT reply actions

the bright spot is

the cards and cubs have been mirroring each other lately: when one wins, so does the other. when one loses…

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Hey everybody

AK is DHing. Rejoice!

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 20, 2008 5:28 PM EDT reply actions

amazing

innit?

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions

wouldn't it make more sense given this lineup

to have Kennedy actually play at 2nd since he’s the better defender over Miles? I just can’t figure out what the hell is going on here

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions

limited options

no DL for Welle, Yadi (?). Short bench and reluctance to play Ryan and Crabman.

by gocards62 on Jun 20, 2008 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions

yes, but given THIS lineup

you would still think that Kennedy would be the better defender over Miles

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions

plus as a DH

AK cannot be a defense sub for Miles :(((

by gocards62 on Jun 20, 2008 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions

well, he can

just means the pitcher has to bat the rest of the game.

(the stupidest part of the DH rule, imho)

"the hardest decision to make is to do nothing; there is a terrible temptation to interfere." -gen patton

by SleepyCA on Jun 20, 2008 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions

woh

now that’s mind boggling

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions

This is beyond stunning

Not only is he our worst hitter, he’s also probably our best defensive 2B. So if you’re going to go w/ this ridiculous lineup, w/ Izturis, Miles AND Kennedy, shouldn’t Miles be the DH? WTF?

by chuckb on Jun 20, 2008 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions

it's like TLR is being sarcastic

and the management won’t let him get rid of Kennedy, is the only way I can explain it

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 20, 2008 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions

I like that theory

Reminds me of all of those kids’ baseball movies.

They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...

by Valatan on Jun 20, 2008 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Don't

really care for Kennedy, but he is an American leaguer. Oddly enough, Duncan, Molina, Kennedy, Ankiel especially, and also Glaus have that God forsaken softball swing that is usually the undoing of a knuckle baller. Its Saturday and Sunday that this team is shit out of luck.

Westcoastbirdwatcher

by westcoastbirdwatcher on Jun 20, 2008 5:59 PM EDT reply actions

Dice-K is coming off of an injury.

And plus his winning percentage makes him look like he’s been a lot better than he has been. He’s been feasting off of run support the whole season.

That was a real test," Soriano said of the play. "He didn’t call the ball, I didn’t call the ball, but I saw him close to the ball and I let him get the ball."

by Cardsfan_inCHI on Jun 20, 2008 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions

You know, TLR has made plenty of questionable moves this season

and for the most part they have worked out. Ever since putting Villone in on Tuesday night, it seems as if his “mad genius” moves are turning into “head stuck in his own ass” moves. I just don’t understand his reluctance to use guys such as Crabman, Ryan, and Perez. Those three players alone add so much excitment to watching the game, even if they don’t produce, you can for sure see some shoulder biting, helmets flying, and straight up fire balls. None of which you can see with the unmentionables.

That was a real test," Soriano said of the play. "He didn’t call the ball, I didn’t call the ball, but I saw him close to the ball and I let him get the ball."

by Cardsfan_inCHI on Jun 20, 2008 5:59 PM EDT reply actions

I don't think he's been particularly hesitant to use Perez at all

They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...

by Valatan on Jun 20, 2008 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions

15 appearances in 31 games since he's been called up

When Franklin, who leads the team in appearances, has appeared 35 times in 74 games. I agree with Ryan and Barton, but LaRussa’s really trusted Perez.

They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...

by Valatan on Jun 20, 2008 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Okay, I retract Perez from my comment.

I just would’ve liked to have seen him Tuesday or Wednesday night. And also, I don’t like the fact that he will probably not get a shot at closing a ball game until next year.

That was a real test," Soriano said of the play. "He didn’t call the ball, I didn’t call the ball, but I saw him close to the ball and I let him get the ball."

by Cardsfan_inCHI on Jun 20, 2008 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions

What's the difference?

If he closes or it’s Franklin or a healthy Isringhausen? It’s not going to change his abiltiy and he’s pitching fairly regularly.

by Tackle Box on Jun 20, 2008 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Because

some of us think Perez has the stuff to be a better closer than Franklin or Izzy

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 20, 2008 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions

To be better than Izzy

would be pretty damn good. And Franklin has been pretty good if you haven’t noticed. I just don’t see the point in stressing WHO it is as opposed to THAT it gets done.

Perez will more than likely be the closer next year. I don’t see the need to make him the closer right now since Franklin has done a good job and if Izzy returns to last years ability (and there’s really no reason he can’t if healthy). If the job gets done (and it has), who cares who does it?

by Tackle Box on Jun 20, 2008 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm just praying the Red Sox score less than 10 runs

If we get beat I would rather not take a whipping by the media darlings…and have to see the likes of ESPN make fun of our weak offense and our bad match-up against the “nation”.

by KYCards on Jun 20, 2008 6:04 PM EDT reply actions