Tell me about Ankiel

bedir than average · March 16th, 2008, 11:24 AM

So I drafted him in late rounds of a fantasy league as a kind of flyer.

What are Cards fans expectations for him? He'll be starting right?

Coop · March 16th, 2008, 11:38 AM

I have always liked Rick.
I think he will be starting in the 3 most outfielder games.
That will be divided. He is expected to be regular.
Duncan has been struggling. Tony is liking Barton, and Tony is boss.
I like Schumaker and Ludwick.
I think Juan Gone is Gone.
Joe Mather is battling for utility.

Rick struck out a lot in the minors.
He has been hitting better in the majors.
Maybe, his new wife has him on the right track.
I think he is having fun and is more relaxed.

He has a website.

BleacherBum593 · March 16th, 2008, 05:18 PM

Great article in the Palm Beach Post today on Ankiel, his dad and his new wife (and how she's helping him focus on the future). If someone could post the link it would be a great read for everyone. The author was Carlos Fritas.

Has HR ability - could easily do 30 HR's, 100 RBI's. He's the real deal. He'll shock people who have underestimated his athletic ability to make the transition to an everyday position player.

Coop · March 17th, 2008, 09:30 AM

I think this is the article Bleacher mentioned.
After turbulent times, Ankiel changing course

Nighthawk · March 17th, 2008, 11:19 AM

As always, I'll believe it when I see it. He certainly has some power, but he can't get on base to save his life (we'll be lucky to get a .330 OBP out of him) and strikes out at a 3:1 clip (K:BB). There are whispers, although no real evidence that I am aware of, that his production in the minors and to date have some, er, 'help'. This season will show us if he is clean, healthy and capable of being a major league every day player. Given 500 at bats (which I would be shocked if he picks up) he might very well hit 30 HR or so. Considering that the Cardinals have packed the roster with guys who can't get on base (Pujols excepted) I think it is exceedingly unlikely that he will get to 100 RBI's, even with 500 AB's. 25HR/79 RBI seems the most positive reasonable prediction right now. If he bats 6th and not 2nd, it could be slightly better.

AutobodyCAD · March 17th, 2008, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nighthawk

As always, I'll believe it when I see it. He certainly has some power, but he can't get on base to save his life (we'll be lucky to get a .330 OBP out of him) and strikes out at a 3:1 clip (K:BB). There are whispers, although no real evidence that I am aware of, that his production in the minors and to date have some, er, 'help'. This season will show us if he is clean, healthy and capable of being a major league every day player. Given 500 at bats (which I would be shocked if he picks up) he might very well hit 30 HR or so. Considering that the Cardinals have packed the roster with guys who can't get on base (Pujols excepted) I think it is exceedingly unlikely that he will get to 100 RBI's, even with 500 AB's. 25HR/79 RBI seems the most positive reasonable prediction right now. If he bats 6th and not 2nd, it could be slightly better.

collusion with other minor league clubs? c'mon, man. Maybe you're more plugged in than the average joe, so that's how you're hearing these 'whispers', but seriously...

tulcard · March 17th, 2008, 04:19 PM

30+ HR's....100+ RBI's....w/ a .285 BA....and then some....

bubbycardsfan1 · March 17th, 2008, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tulcard

30+ HR's....100+ RBI's....w/ a .285 BA....and then some....

Sounds about right to me

Nighthawk · March 17th, 2008, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Maybe you're more plugged in than the average joe, so that's how you're hearing these 'whispers', but seriously...

I certainly am not, which is why I qualified the statement as I did. That he had access to HGH is fairly well established. He has been cleared of wrongdoing by MLB as it was not illegal and at the prescription of a physician to get over injury. This is a not uncommon defense, and may or may not be accurate. Speaking only for myself, I think it irrelevant in any other context than whether or not he can actually maintain his level of performance. As I said, assuming he is no longer encumbered by such additives, and is healthy....his record suggests he will bat around .260, will get on base barely 30 percent of the time and will swat about 25 home runs. RBI are impossible to predict, as they have very little to do with him, but given the prediliction for the Redbirds to sign folks who think a walk is anathema it's unlikely he will have enough people on base in front of him to be able to drive in 80, much less 100.

That said, and full disclosure for the annual Hawk prediction....if he does bat .285/30/100 I will eat a lightly toasted weasel with French fries.

tulcard · March 17th, 2008, 06:17 PM

Something tells me you've tasted this dish before Hawk....

Nighthawk · March 17th, 2008, 07:35 PM

Heh. You know I've tasted the weasel from time to time in the years we've been together, Tully...and as always if my having such a snack equates to success for the Cards, I'll gladly ask for seconds.

tulcard · March 18th, 2008, 05:45 AM

....and Hawk....I'd gladly join you....

Coop · March 18th, 2008, 07:32 AM

Ankiel ready to offer protection?

STLtoday - Sports - Cardinals

Rick always could hit the ball hard.
I just hope he reduces K's and raises to a good BA.

AutobodyCAD · March 18th, 2008, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nighthawk

I certainly am not, which is why I qualified the statement as I did. That he had access to HGH is fairly well established. He has been cleared of wrongdoing by MLB as it was not illegal and at the prescription of a physician to get over injury. This is a not uncommon defense, and may or may not be accurate. Speaking only for myself, I think it irrelevant in any other context than whether or not he can actually maintain his level of performance. As I said, assuming he is no longer encumbered by such additives, and is healthy....his record suggests he will bat around .260, will get on base barely 30 percent of the time and will swat about 25 home runs. RBI are impossible to predict, as they have very little to do with him, but given the prediliction for the Redbirds to sign folks who think a walk is anathema it's unlikely he will have enough people on base in front of him to be able to drive in 80, much less 100.

That said, and full disclosure for the annual Hawk prediction....if he does bat .285/30/100 I will eat a lightly toasted weasel with French fries.

good points mostly, but I don't know what HGH has to do with his more recent success.

I think the 30HR are well within reach for him, though I, too, doubt he'll hit .285 or nab 100RBI . But here's hoping anyway, and I'll bring the barbeque sauce.

March 16th, 2008, 11:24 AM	#1 (permalink)
bedir than average Hall of Famer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Starbucks Posts: 8,258	Tell me about Ankiel So I drafted him in late rounds of a fantasy league as a kind of flyer. What are Cards fans expectations for him? He'll be starting right? __________________ I'm sorry I left for a while. I needed a vaction, and then work changed substantially. I'm over 50 hour weeks, plus two hours a day of commuting time. A few weeks ago I launched my own blog about Seattle Sounders FC and Life in Puget Sound. I won't be by these parts often as my focus has changed. Sorry about the unannounced retirement.

March 16th, 2008, 05:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
BleacherBum593 Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: St Louis (LF Bleachers) Posts: 1,884	Great article in the Palm Beach Post today on Ankiel, his dad and his new wife (and how she's helping him focus on the future). If someone could post the link it would be a great read for everyone. The author was Carlos Fritas. Has HR ability - could easily do 30 HR's, 100 RBI's. He's the real deal. He'll shock people who have underestimated his athletic ability to make the transition to an everyday position player. __________________ "Build it and they will come"

March 17th, 2008, 11:19 AM	#5 (permalink)
Nighthawk Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 2,716	As always, I'll believe it when I see it. He certainly has some power, but he can't get on base to save his life (we'll be lucky to get a .330 OBP out of him) and strikes out at a 3:1 clip (K:BB). There are whispers, although no real evidence that I am aware of, that his production in the minors and to date have some, er, 'help'. This season will show us if he is clean, healthy and capable of being a major league every day player. Given 500 at bats (which I would be shocked if he picks up) he might very well hit 30 HR or so. Considering that the Cardinals have packed the roster with guys who can't get on base (Pujols excepted) I think it is exceedingly unlikely that he will get to 100 RBI's, even with 500 AB's. 25HR/79 RBI seems the most positive reasonable prediction right now. If he bats 6th and not 2nd, it could be slightly better. __________________ "Whenever the word 'fair' features so prominently in legislation, the odds are that it is economically illiterate" -Rich Lowery What am I doing with your tax money? Sustaining the realm according to caprice.

March 17th, 2008, 07:35 PM	#11 (permalink)
Nighthawk Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 2,716	Heh. You know I've tasted the weasel from time to time in the years we've been together, Tully...and as always if my having such a snack equates to success for the Cards, I'll gladly ask for seconds. __________________ "Whenever the word 'fair' features so prominently in legislation, the odds are that it is economically illiterate" -Rich Lowery What am I doing with your tax money? Sustaining the realm according to caprice.

March 18th, 2008, 07:32 AM	#13 (permalink)
Coop Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Memphis Posts: 4,168	Ankiel ready to offer protection? STLtoday - Sports - Cardinals Rick always could hit the ball hard. I just hope he reduces K's and raises to a good BA. Last edited by Coop; March 18th, 2008 at 07:34 AM.

March 16th, 2008, 11:38 AM	#2 (permalink)
Coop Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Memphis Posts: 4,168	I have always liked Rick. I think he will be starting in the 3 most outfielder games. That will be divided. He is expected to be regular. Duncan has been struggling. Tony is liking Barton, and Tony is boss. I like Schumaker and Ludwick. I think Juan Gone is Gone. Joe Mather is battling for utility. Rick struck out a lot in the minors. He has been hitting better in the majors. Maybe, his new wife has him on the right track. I think he is having fun and is more relaxed. He has a website.

March 17th, 2008, 09:30 AM	#4 (permalink)
Coop Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Memphis Posts: 4,168	I think this is the article Bleacher mentioned. After turbulent times, Ankiel changing course

March 17th, 2008, 04:19 PM	#7 (permalink)
tulcard Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 884	30+ HR's....100+ RBI's....w/ a .285 BA....and then some....

March 17th, 2008, 06:17 PM	#10 (permalink)
tulcard Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 884	Something tells me you've tasted this dish before Hawk....

March 18th, 2008, 05:45 AM	#12 (permalink)
tulcard Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 884	....and Hawk....I'd gladly join you....