Rick Ankiel… The Next Yankee Centerfielder?
Rick Ankiel
Earlier this month the Sporting News reported that the St. Louis Cardinal’s might be interested in trading Rick Ankiel in order to sure up other areas of their roster. The Cards are deep in outfield talent with Ankiel, Ludwick, Duncan, Schumaker, Mather and prospect Cory Rasmus.
Ankiel, 29, hit 25 homers and drove in 71 runs in an injury-plagued 2008 season. Card’s need pitching (who doesn’t) and probably some more infield depth. Could the Yankees put together an deal that would attract St. Louis? They have a number of players they could put in play: Caberara, Cano, Hughes, Kennedy, Gardner and others.
Question #1: Who would you rather have playing CF: Cabrera, Gardner, Damon or Ankiel? I think I’ll have to go with Ankiel with Damon in Left. Another Left handed power hitter in the line up at the New Yankee Stadium? Need I say more? My concern would be his history of injuries.
Question #2: How would Ankiel handle the NY Press(ure)? His response when he pitched in the post season wasn’t too good. It basically ended his career as a pitcher. But he’s an outfielder now… less pressure… sure.
Question #3: Are the Yankees willing to give up good talent and top prospects for a guy who still has to prove himself in the position? Well yes he still has some proving to do. However, you’ve got give this guy some props. Very few players start out as pitchers, fail and then re-invent themselves in other positions. There was another Cardinal who did this named Stan Musial… Musial started his career as a pitcher but after a shoulder injury he moved to the outfield. He had a pretty good career!
While I would hate to see my Father-In-Law depressed for the next 3 years (Cardinal fan) I sure would like to see the Yankees pursue Ankiel. There’s something about this guy.. he’s one of those 100%, all out players that you love to have on your team.
Speak Out: Yankee Fan Forum
Tags: Ankiel, cardinals, Centerfield, musial, Rick, stan, trade, yankee
November 20th, 2008 at 8:06 am
injury is a concern.. but he’s a balls out player. a guy who could spark the team. he’s worth a good solid look
November 21st, 2008 at 9:38 am
how about Cano for Ankiel straight up? the Card need a second baseman.
December 12th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
I say no to this move for Ankiel.I see the advantages,particularly his lower end salary.But the Yankees need some young blood in the lineup and that means Brett Gardner.They will have enough power.What they need is a balanced attack and Ankiel doesn’t bring that.
The Yanks will have great pitching.But at times so will the opposition.Teams need to be able to produce runs with speed and guile as well as raw power.
Gardner hit over .280 after returning from triple A mid season.He closed the season with a neat little six game hitting streak.His speed is phenomenal and he has all the tools to be a superb CF.If he can hit .265 and increase his OBP with more walks he would be a very effective offensively player.
The best way to add more power would be to sign Texiera.
First base is wide open.