Blogs

Rick Ankiel

Outfielder
Position
CF
Bats
L
Throws
L
 
  • Height: 6-1
  • Weight: 215 lbs
  • Born: Jul 19, 1979

  • Debut: August 23, 1999

SEASON

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Newsbreakers

December 15, 2009

According to MLB.com, the Cubs are interested in free agent outfielder Rick Ankiel.

Our View:

The Cubs are desperately searching for a center fielder. They missed out on Mike Cameron, who was snatched up by the Red Sox, so they have turned their eye to the floundering Ankiel. His average has dropped each of the past three seasons and the "power hitter" produced just 11 homers last season. He has plenty of ability, but is injury prone and has very poor plate discipline, making him a risky venture. Not to mention he's represented by Scott Boras and will cost much more than he's worth. The Cubs are also reportedly pursuing Marlon Byrd and Scott Podsednik.

November 27, 2009

The Pittsburgh Pirates are still interested in free agent outfielder Rick Ankiel, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Our View:

Only in Pittsburgh could a 30-year-old outfielder who hit .231 the previous season be considered a big addition, but that's the case here. Ankiel undeniably has a lot of pop, but unfortunately, he has as equally little plate discipline and an affinity for unhittable high fastballs.

September 21, 2009

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Pirates plan on pursuing free agent outfielder Rick Ankiel this winter.

Our View:

Despite Ankiel's woeful offensive season in 2009, .234 average, 11 home runs and 37 RBI, the Pirates are said to covet his athleticism in left field. He is also a career .333 hitter in PNC Park. It's hard to see him having much of a fantasy impact in 2010, however, regardless of where he plays.

July 28, 2009

Cardinals' beat writer Joe Strauss is reporting on his Twitter page that outfielder Rick Ankiel is out of the lineup with a strained groin. He is expected to be out until at least Thursday with the injury.

Our View:

This injury could not come at a worse time for Ankiel, who is finally getting hot at the plate. If he only misses a few days, it shouldn't hurt him too badly, but with Colby Rasmus back he could find himself spending more time on the bench. He will not be a strong fantasy play unless he gets in the lineup on a regular basis going forward.

July 25, 2009

Rick Ankiel was 3-for-5 with a home run in the Cardinals' 14-6 loss to the Phillies on Saturday. He also scaled the wall in center field to rob Jayson Werth of a two-run homer with a dazzling catch.

Our View:

Rick the Stick is heating up. After a miserable season, he's finally starting to see the ball. Since July 20th he's 10-for-21 with a pair of homers, three doubles and six RBI. He's not quite fantasy worthy yet, but if he keeps this up he will be soon.

July 23, 2009

Rick Ankiel went 1-for-3 with a solo homer off Colin Balester in tonight's 4-1 win at Washington.

Our View:

Ankiel snapped a 28-game drought without a homer, and only has six for the season. He has been a grave disappointment after launching 25 homers in 2008.

July 18, 2009

Rick Ankiel underwent an MRI on his ailing right shoulder Saturday, according to MLB.com.

Our View:

Ankiel continues to battle with pain in his shoulder since crashing into the outfield wall at Busch Stadium on May 4. He has only started two games since July 7, and is hitting 2-for-28 (.071) so far this month. Ankiel is not in the Cardinals' lineup against Arizona, but skipper Tony LaRussa noted that he is available to play.

July 13, 2009

Rick Ankiel says he has been playing with shoulder pain, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Our View:

The pain is a lingering effect from Ankiel's scary collision with a Busch Stadium outfield wall on May 4. Ankiel is hitting just .215 in 223 at-bats this season, and is not an option in any format.

June 26, 2009

Rick Ankiel went 2-for-4 with a double and a single, and recorded the Cardinals' lone RBI in tonight's 3-1 loss to the Twins at Busch Stadium.

Our View:

Ankiel ended a four-game skid without an RBI, and has 20 for the season. He is hitting .250 this month as well.

June 11, 2009

Rick Ankiel stayed hot on Thursday, going 3-for-5 with three runs scored in the Cardinals 6-5 win over the Marlins.

Our View:

Ankiel now has consecutive three-hit games after not having one since April 23. His eight hits in the Cardinals last three games have raised his average from .220 to .260.

June 10, 2009

Rick Ankiel was 3-for-5 with a home run, a triple, a double, two RBI and three runs scored as the Cardinals defeated the Marlins 13-4 on Wednesday.

Our View:

Ankiel's average jumped 15 points with tonight's performance. Of course, it was just .231 entering the game. 17 of his 31 hits this season have been for extra bases. He's a better producer than he has been to date, and we recommend holding onto him as he has shown the ability to get very hot at the plate.

June 9, 2009

Rick Ankiel was productive in Tuesday's 4-3 loss at Florida as he went 2-for-3 with two RBI. He hit a single and a double.

Our View:

Ankiel needed a solid outing as he was hitless over his previous two games, with two strikeouts over the span.

June 6, 2009

Rick Ankiel provided the only offense for the Cardinals on Saturday in his team's 10-1 loss to the Rockies. Ankiel went 1-for-3 in the game with a solo home run.

Our View:

It's good to see Ank hit the long ball after returning from his terrifying crash into the center field wall. Ankiel has always been a streaky hitter, but when he gets hot he can carry a fantasy week. NL-only leaguers will want to have Ank on their team, and if he starts to heat up mixed leaguers should give him a look as well.

May 27, 2009

Skipper Tony LaRussa indicated that Rick Ankiel's right shoulder was much improved on Tuesday, but remains unlikely to return to the diamond before Friday's game against the Giants, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Our View:

He received treatment and was able to take batting practice Tuesday. Hold him out of fantasy lineups for now.

May 25, 2009

Rick Ankiel missed Sunday's game at Milwaukee due to soreness, according to MLB.com.

Our View:

Ankiel, who was activated from the 15-day DL Sunday following his recovery from a bruised shoulder, will likely return to the diamond Tuesday in the second of the three-game series at Miller Park.

May 24, 2009

Rick Ankiel is back in the Cardinals' lineup for Sunday's game against the Royals. He will hit fifth and play right field.

Our View:

It was reported that Ankiel would be out until next weekend, but it looks as if he drastically improved over the last few days. He will play today barring a late scratch, so get him in the lineup if you can.

May 22, 2009

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said that Rick Ankiel does not appear close to coming back, according to the AP. The center fielder is dealing with a bruised right shoulder and general soreness that resulted from a crash into the outfield wall a few weeks ago. He also still feels a twinge in his side and the manager said that he may require a rehab assignment.

Our View:

It sounds like Ankiel is still a week away and that fellow outfielder Ryan Ludwick (hamstring) could return from the DL before him.

May 21, 2009

Rick Ankiel's return from his bruised right shoulder and sensitive left side has been delayed as the Cardinals want more time to evaluate him, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He was eligible to come off the DL Wednesday.

Our View:

Ankiel has a continued tug in his left side when he swings and misses, and the outfielder agrees that he should not come back until he is 100 percent healthy. He is going to push it over the next few days, and won't be back until he feels comfortable. He shall remain held out of fantasy lineups until further notice.

May 19, 2009

According to the Associated Press, the Cardinals want to reevaluate Rick Ankiel and see how he feels before activating him from the 15-day DL on Wednesday.

Our View:

The Cards need Ankiel's bat back in their slumping lineup, but it looks like the team doesn't want to rush him back after his scary collision with the center field wall. If his shoulder is up to snuff, they will likely plug him into the lineup on Wednesday.

May 18, 2009

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Rick Ankiel is expected to be activated on Wednesday, the day he is eligible to come off the DL.

Our View:

Ankiel has recovered nicely from his injuries after crashing into the wall, and manager Tony La Russa believes he will be ready to play Wednesday. The Cards need his bat back in the lineup with Ryan Ludwick still on the DL for another week.

May 16, 2009

According to the Post Dispatch, Rick Ankiel is slated to play in extended spring training games this weekend and could rejoin the team as soon as next week.

Our View:

Ankiel's bruised shoulder appears to be healing after his death defying crash into the outfield wall last Monday. The struggling Cardinal offense could use a lift and Ankiel's return would definitely provide one. Assuming there are no setbacks in Jupiter he should be back in the lineup in the middle of next week.

May 13, 2009

Rick Ankiel is feeling better while recovering from his bruised right shoulder, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Our View:

His return date to St. Louis is uncertain, but manager Tony LaRussa thinks that he could be ready to come off the 15-day DL when first eligible if he can get in some swings ahead of time. The DL move was retroactive to May 5.

May 7, 2009

Rick Ankiel has been placed on the 15-day DL by the Cardinals, according to the Sports Network. He is recovering from injuries sustained while crashing into the outfield wall (deep contusion and bruised right shoulder).

Our View:

The club recalled Shane Robinson for depth, and the three starting outfielders should be Chris Duncan, Colby Rasmus and Ryan Ludwick while Ankiel is out. The DL move is retroactive to Tuesday.

May 7, 2009

The Cardinals recalled outfielder Shane Robinson, which means Rick Ankiel could be headed for the DL with his head, neck and shoulder ailments, according to WCTV.com.

Our View:

The Cardinals or the source did not state that Ankiel is headed to the DL, but it does seem like a possibility that will happen after adding Robinson for outfield depth. Stay tuned.

May 7, 2009

Rick Ankiel is still recovering from his head, neck and shoulder ailments sustained during his brutal crash into the wall, and will likely remain out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Pirates, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Our View:

Ankiel did not take batting practice or work on the field prior to Wednesday's game. He is sore and the DL remains an option if he does not show improvement over the next day or so.

May 6, 2009

The Sports Network reports that Rick Ankiel was upbeat and joking with teammates prior to Tuesday's game in Philadelphia, following a frightening crash into the wall just two nights earlier. Ankiel has a bruised shoulder, but did not suffer a concussion or any broken bones in the collision. The Cardinals hope he can avoid a trip to the DL and that he could be ready to play after a few days rest. Ankiel told reporters, "I'm lucky to be walking. Anything from here is a plus."

Our View:

This is incredible news to anyone who saw the center fielder go head first into the wall on Monday. Ankiel's bat had been heating up prior to the incident and it appears there is a good chance he is available to hit again this weekend. In the meantime, Colby Rasmus figures to start in center.

May 5, 2009

Rick Ankiel has been released from a St. Louis hospital, and according to GM John Mozeliak, things are looking up for the outfielder. "Right now things are positive," Mozeliak told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Our View:

Manager Tony La Russa likened Ankiel's injury to "whiplash." Ankiel's short-term availability will be more clear later today, though it's possible the Cardinals will add a position player since they're already a bit short on the bench.

May 5, 2009

Rick Ankiel, who was carted off the field Monday after slamming headfirst into the outfield wall following a catch, underwent X-rays and a CT scan of his head, neck and back, and all were negative and showed no fractures, according to MLB.com. "He was never knocked out," GM John Mozeliak said. "He never lost consciousness. My understanding was that he had some discomfort in the face area, obviously, from hitting the wall. But for the most part right now, we're encouraged based on Dr. Paletta's first [evaluation], just getting to see him on the field."

Our View:

Obviously this is great news for Ankiel and the Cardinals. It's not clear at this point whether he will be placed on the DL as a precaution, but at the very least Colby Rasmus figured to get the bulk of the starts in center over the next few days.

May 4, 2009

Rick Ankiel slammed into the outfield wall, headfirst, after tripping on the warning track. He was strapped to a board and carted off the field, but he appeared to be alert and gave the crowd a thumbs up when he was taken from the field.

Our View:

Scary. Ankiel stumbled and went, face first, into the outfield wall. As we mentioned he didn't appear to lose consciousness, but at the same time he slammed the wall so hard that it wouldn't be at all shocking that he suffered some head trauma that could lead to a DL stint. We'll update you when we hear more, but it looks like he managed to avoid a serious injury.

April 30, 2009

Rick Ankiel went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk, two RBI, and a run scored as the Cardinals beat the Nationals 9-4. His RBI double in the ninth broke a tie game.

Our View:

Ankiel has been pretty clutch since the Cardinals started their road trip four games ago. He has five RBI in that span. After getting off to a slow start, he is now putting up the type of numbers we expect of him.

April 27, 2009

Rick Ankiel was 2-for-4 with two RBI and a strike out in Monday's 3-2 win over the Braves.

Our View:

Ankiel has all six of his RBI this season in his last six starts. His numbers are still far from impressive, but he is showing improvement. He has often appeared as the No.2 hitter against right-handers which should be a very favorable spot to produce the numbers that will make him a valuable part of a fantasy roster.

April 23, 2009

Rick Ankiel is finally starting to heat up. He had three hits and launched his first home run of the season in the Cardinal's 12-8 win over the Mets on Thurday. Ankiel drove in two and scored two as the Cards finished off their first series sweep of the Mets since 2004.

Our View:

Ankiel's three-hit performance raised his average to .250 on the season and he appears to be breaking out of his April funk. He had three hits on Tuesday as well, giving him six in the series and boosting his average by 71 points. He came into the series hitting .179.

April 21, 2009

Rick Ankiel appeared to have broke out of his slump with a 3-for-5 night as the Cardinals beat the Mets 6-4 on Tuesday. He had a double to go with two runs scored and an RBI.

Our View:

Ankiel entered the game hitting only .179. Some more good news to take from this outing was that he was hitting No. 2 in the order despite facing a left-hander on the hill. He has hit better in the No. 2 spot in his career.

April 20, 2009

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that Cardinals manager Tony La Russa had a sit-down meeting with Rick Ankiel after Sunday's game against the Cubs was rained out. La Russa told Ankiel he believes the outfielder is pressing and that he just needs to play his game.

Our View:

Ankiel has been in quite a slump to start the season, but as La Russa noted, he had some good at-bats in the Cubs series that resulted in outs. He was robbed by Kosuke Fukudome and Aramis Ramirez on two hard hit balls, but once he gets comfortable, he should be a power threat from the outfield position. Keep him on the bench until he heats up, because when he does he will hit home runs in bunches.

April 17, 2009

Rick Ankiel will not be in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Cubs, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The team will go with Chris Duncan, Colby Rasmus and Ryan Ludwick in the outfield.

Our View:

Ankiel is hitless in six at-bats against Cubs' starter Carlos Zambrano, which was probably the deciding factor in him sitting today. He is struggling so far this season, hitting only .188 with no homers and only two RBI.

April 11, 2009

Rick Ankiel finally had a big day when the games count, as he went 3-for-5 in the Cardinals 11-2 win over the Astros on Saturday. He also drove in his second run of the season.

Our View:

Ankiel had a red hot spring, but cooled off as soon as the regular season got going. He had 25 home runs in limited time last season, so expect his power stroke to return soon.

April 4, 2009

Rick Ankiel went 1-for-3 with two walks, a home run, two RBI, and two runs scored as the Cardinals beat Triple-A Memphis 7-3 on Saturday.

Our View:

Ankiel hit second in front of Albert Pujols while Chris Duncan hit cleanup. Ankiel has traditionally hit better in the two-hole and should he land that spot this season, it would figure to boost his fantasy value. However, Tony LaRussa shuffles his lineup as much as any manager so you can probably count on Ankiel appearing in several different spots in the order this season.

March 29, 2009

Rick Ankiel slugged his third home run of the spring Sunday off Minnesota's Kevin Slowey.

Our View:

Of course, whether Ankiel can surpass his '08 home run total of 25 is anybody's guess, but he has reportedly spent an inordinate amount of time in the batting cage this spring. With the extra work, Ankiel could become more adept at hitting breaking pitches and taking the ball to left field, both of which would significantly raise his fantasy value.

March 19, 2009

Rick Ankiel hit his first home run of the spring as the Cardinals beat the Rays 9-7 on Thursday. He was 3-for-3 in the game with three RBI and two runs scored.

Our View:

Ankiel is hitting .365 in 52 at-bats this spring, but he had not shown much power until today. The Cardinals are atill not sure of their batting order and that could go a long way to determining Ankiel's fantasy value. He has traditionally hit much better in the No.2 spot ahead of Pujols, while not faring as well as the cleanup man.

March 4, 2009

Rick Ankiel is dealing with soreness in his left Achilles' tendon, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Our View:

Ankiel will rest today and noted that he did not play Tuesday just as a precaution. He is 6-for-12 so far in the Grapefruit League, and should be fine with some rest.

March 2, 2009

Rick Ankiel continued his hot hitting Monday with a 2-for-3 performance against the Rays. He is now hitting a cool .500 this spring and is seeing the ball well in the cleanup spot.

Our View:

Ankiel's hot spring could determine where he hits in the Cardinals' line up. If he winds up in the two-hole in front of Albert Pujols he'll see premuim pitches to hit, but a drop in the order could produce more RBI. Not a bad problem to have. It could also depend on whether top flight prospect Colby Rasmus makes the big club.

February 25, 2009

Rick Ankiel hit cleanup behind Albert Pujols in the Cardinals first spring training game on Wednesday. He finished the game 2-for-3 with two RBI, a walk, and a double.

Our View:

Ankiel should be able to hold this spot in the batting order down, unless strikeouts or slumps become an issue. Pujols draws as many walks as anybody in the game, so there will be plenty of RBI opportunities this season when Ankiel steps to the plate. Ryan Ludwick hit fifth today, and he should be able to provide good protection.

February 13, 2009

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that even though the Cardinals and outfielder Rick Ankiel avoided arbitration by coming together on a one-year deal Thursday, plans for long-term deal do not exist.

Our View:

Ankiel is set to be a free-agent next season, and if he can follow up his breakout season with another stellar campaign in 2009, he may be out of the Cardinals' price range. On the other hand, the Cardinals, who are experiencing a surplus in the outfield, may be more inclined to let Ankiel walk regardless.

February 12, 2009

The Cardinals have avoided salary arbitration with Rick Ankiel by inking the slugger to a one-year deal for $2.825MM, according to Sports Illustrated. The amount is the midpoint of their submissions.

Our View:

Ankiel crushed 25 homers last season, and is still yet to reach his power potential. He held a .337 OBP last season as well, and would have scored higher if not hindered by a nagging abdominal injury.

February 10, 2009

The St. Louis-Post Dispatch reports that outfielder Rick Ankiel and the Cardinals are scheduled to participate in an arbitration hearing in Phoenix Thursday. "You have to look at like business," Ankiel said. "I haven't been through it. I don't think anyone's naive here. I don't think they're going to have nice things to say. It's not something anybody looks forward to."

Our View:

It will be interesting to see how long the hearing will drag out, especially considering Ankiel's agent is money-grubber Scott Boras.

February 4, 2009

MLB.com reports that the Cardinals and outfielder Rick Ankiel remain nearly $1 million apart and appear headed to arbitration. Ankiel had requested $3.3 million for next season.

Our View:

The Cardinals also appear to be headed to arbitration with Ryan Ludwick and still have not cleared any space in their outfield in the event that Colby Rasmus is ready to play in the majors. Stay tuned.

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