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This Just In: Ankiel has an Arm!

Christopher Solberg, Editor
5/07/2008

It's always been known that St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Rick Ankiel has an arm, but last night solified that belief to any non-believers.  On two occurances last night Rick gunned out runners.  The first, from deep left-center, he put his throw into thirdbaseman Troy Glaus' glove, about 3 inches from where he needed to tag the runner.  The second, Ankiel pegged a runner with a bullet from essentially against the wall in straight-away center.

Rick started out as a pitcher, actually a highly rated prospect with a cannon of an arm, having devastating off-speed stuff to go with it.  But after injuries and Steve Blass Syndrome, Rick switched to the outfield and became a power-hitting outfielder.  His struggle and rise back to the majors after all he's been through has even brought teary eyes to Cardinals' skipper Tony LaRusa.

Although his mediocre plate dicipline will keep him from putting up  high batting averages, Ankiel should be a good source of power for the team as he provides good defense in center and eventually right field.

After watching last night's highlights, it's less likely that runners are going to try to test his arm.  I hope they do, it'll be fun to watch.

 

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