Rick Ankiel… The Next Yankee Centerfielder?
Thursday, November 20th, 2008
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
