Rick Ankiel

[pdlata]

This guy has 31 homeruns and 81 RBI in AAA. He is 28 years old, is only batting .268 and has a 83-24 K:BB ratio, but those power numbers are impressive. When, if ever, this guy gets a chance what kind of big leaguer will he be?

[stealthdevil]

I think he'll be a pretty good, but not spectacular major leaguer. Maybe something like Jeff Francoure. He's definately got a cannon for an arm and his overall defense seems to be solid in the outfield. Not sure which spot in the outfield he'll play in the majors, but I'd say he could handle any of the three spots.
I can see him hitting in the .270-.280 range with 20-30 homers in a season. Would be a good fit in the #3 spot in front of Pujols, which should help his K tendencies.

[Jschmuck2]

Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh guys - he was ALREADY a major leaguer.

Now he's getting a second chance.

[Fantasy Man 27]

Those predictions you made, in my opinion, are way too optimistic.

[Cards0540]

Im hoping he puts up those kind of numbers since im a big Ankiel fan. But I think his average will drop around .250 once he is in the majors, although it looks like the power numbers are there. He would have gotten called up a few months ago if he was not out of options, and the cards have said when they call him up they want to make sure he is getting ABs not sitting the bench. I bet you will see him in the next few weeks playing left or right field.

[stealthdevil]

I've been hearing that Pujols(elbow) and Rolen(shoulder) are both facing possible surgery due to their ailments. Both would miss considerable time if they do choose to undergo surgery, so it would make sense to me that they would go ahead and have it so they would be ready to start the 2008 season on time. Edmonds and Encarnacion are not part of the Cards future plans, so there should be plenty of room for Ankiel to play. If Pujols has season ending surgery Chris Duncan would more than likely fill in at 1B and thus vacate LF, which would leave yet another spot in the OF. Pujols UCL apparently has been hurting him for quit some time and has considerable wear and tear on it. Just a little speculation and yeah I live near Memphis and have been watching Ankiel play, so I may be a little prejudice.

[CT Smash]

Has been called up today...so we should soon see how he fares...

[sgnilloccaz]

Im sure this guy will do some damage for the Cards from here on out.

[pelvis_kick]

I've been hearing that Pujols(elbow) and Rolen(shoulder) are both facing possible surgery due to their ailments.

I am a Cardinals fan and NEVER heard anything about surgery about Pujols.....I would remember because I read the forums quite a bit and have Pujols on my fantasy team. As for Rolen, I don't remember anything about that either.

[Guaranteed Loser]

3 run homer in his first start