No, it’s not really news anymore, but the Cardinals have resigned Rick Ankiel to a minor league deal. Bernie Miklasz recently interviewed Jocketty on his radio show, and has this tidbit on Ank and his latest comeback:
on Ankiel: acknowledged that there’s sentiment for him, they like him so much personally and that factored into it. But he said they believe he showed enough to give the cardinals a legit reason to think he can help them as a hitter at the major-league level…. he’s slotted for AAA this season … also, Ankiel has been a workout fanatic this offseason, he’s been at the team complex in Jupiter every day.
It’s good to see he’s been working hard, of course it would be great to see Ankiel get on track and stay there. He’s turning 28 this season, so you his window is shutting fast. I’ve never completely understood the strong sentiment for him, they must think he’s a heckuva guy or feel overly responsible for his demise as a pitcher. Either way, it’s rare you find a pitcher who just one day decides he’s going to be a hitter and ends up with .250+ isolated power in his first season between A ball and AA. Not sure how well he’ll fare jumping to AAA after missing the entire ‘06 season after his knee surgery, but I’m rooting for the return of Slick Rick tha Rulah. (Photo yoinked from GUB.)
Filed under: Rick Ankiel
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How does that isolated power statistic work?
Isolated power is Slugging percentage minus batting average.
DOOD! Did you do that graphic? If so, that is sheer brilliance. I’m going to pay you the ultimate compliment and steal it.
How’s fatherhood treating you?
p.s. I read the rest of your entry and found where you got the graphic. I’m still stealing it.