Ankiel has another impressive start.

[cincyreds]

Rick Ankiel - R - St Louis Cardinals Jul 2

Rick Ankiel had another great start for Double-A Tennessee tonight, allowing two runs and two hits in seven innings.
He struck out six and walked two. We're not sure whether the Cardinals have any intention of bringing Ankiel back to the majors this year, but he's worth stashing away in NL-only leagues. He's been terrific in three straight starts, and the Cardinals will at least have to consider adding him to their rotation if he continues to excel in his

[Siege1386]

Wow. I have almost forgotten about him.

[Shermars]

Good news, it would be nice to see him make it back.

[wrveres]

he would be Risky ... But hey, the STL needs pitching bad. Bring back Rick. I hope he turns that corner.

[cincyreds]

I do to guys. I hope that his confidence is on its way back.

I root for the guy everyday. Talk about trials and tribulations, Ankiel has been through alot.

That old, whenever something bad happens to you, it always turns out 10 times to the good.

Hopefully Ankiel is on his way back now.

[Pogotheostrich]

That's nice to here but not necessarily impressive. 2 walks, 2 hits and 2 runs in 7 innings is good but remember it is AA ball. I would love for him to come back but I'm not getting my hopes up.

[Hingie]

with the current state of the cards rotation, it might be a good idea to bring ankiel back for a start. It wouldn't hurt.

[timkell]

I disagree. It definitely could hurt. He should stay in AA all season, no matter how well he pitches.

Then, he should start in AAA next season, and stay there for half the season, no matter how well he pitches.

This guy clearly needs to be convinced he's capable at every level, or he could suffer a major setback in confidence.

The Cardinals should have learned their lesson by now with him. Don't look at his numbers. Just let him come along slowly. He's clearly got the stuff to pitch in the majors, but his head is the problem.

One more time getting called up and blown out and his career could be done. Better to wait another year with slow, steady progress under the radar before bringing him back up.

I'd rather have him for ten years after waiting one more year, than to have him for three months and never play him again.

[Pogotheostrich]

Well said timkell.

[pilambp]

Would you trust this guy ever again? After the mental problems and the extended periods without control, should the Cardinals ever put this guy on the mound in a big game, never mind the playoffs?

Even if he played a full season at the major league level again, I still would not want him on the mound in the playoffs. The possibility of a blowup will be there, and it will be hard for him to prove anyone otherwise.