Should the Pirates Claim Ankiel?
I was watching a bit of the Cardinals/Braves game yesterday afternoon and some of the idle banter from the commentators got me thinking. The topic of discussion was Rich Ankiel and his recent position change. The story fascinates me. Ankiel has all-world stuff, but has suffered from a form of "Steve Blass Disease" which has utterly shattered his confidence.
Before his decision to give up pitching, the off-season buzz around Ankiel had been positive. He had been encouraging in winter ball and Ankiel had been expected to battle for at least a bullpen position with the big club. That all fell apart soon after the Cards opened camp. The control problems resurfaced and Ankiel announced he felt his bat was his best chance to get back to the majors.
So what's this have to do with the Bucs? Ankiel is out of options. If he doesn't make the big league club this spring, he will have to clear waivers before the Cardinals can send him down to the minors. Ankiel's bat is nowhere near developed enough to earn him a major league spot. No doubt, a number of teams will consider claiming Ankiel, with the hope that they can convince him to give pitching another try. Why not? Left arms like his don't come along everyday.
There are several problems. First, the team making the claim would have to put Ankiel on their major league roster -- a move that would be akin to using a roster spot for a Rule 5 project. Most teams don't have the spot to spare, but teams desperate for talent, teams like the Bucs, could gamble. That's assuming that they could convince Ankiel to go back to pitching. During yesterday's telecast, Ankiel said that any team thinking they can change his mind would wasting their time. Tony LaRussa and Walt Jocketty have basically reiterated his comments. Ankiel has very little value as a hitter. He's a good hitter for a pitcher, but he would have to make a tremendous leap forward to be an adequate major league hitter. Using a roster spot in a gamble that Ankiel might get his head on straight and become a decent pitcher is an acceptable risk. Wasting a roster spot just to have Ankiel be a fifth outfielder is downright silly.
Should the Pirates Claim Ankiel? Probably not. But it is certainly makes for some interesting speculation. No matter what happens, it is an interesting story worth keeping an eye on.
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The 'conversion' to a pitcher is likely just a front to get Ankiel through waivers. I'm sure that Ankiel will not throw another pitch this season, but I have a feeling that he'll be back on the mound next year. It's a good gamble by the Cardinals. Give him an entire year or 2 off, then let him come back and see if it's cleared his mind. In the meantime, they can stash him in A/AA as just another worthless outfielder.
Another hurdle for the Bucs might be Ankiel's salary. I wonder what he's slated to make this season?
<__trans phrase="Posted by:"> bkopec | March 15, 2005 9:06 PM
Plus Ankiel's agent, the infamours Scott Boras has publicly told teams Ankiel will not pitch anymore. Period. A team claiming him will not convert him.
Great site. But man, think about getting rid of the black background. I have been lurking for a while but never posted. I love the site and the commentary but its rough on the eyes.
<__trans phrase="Posted by:"> stratman01 | March 16, 2005 7:36 PM
Brian- I am getting the same vibe as you, this whole thing smells like a stall tactic. Ankiel seems to love the Cardinals organization and this is pretty much the only way he'd get through waivers. I definitely wouldn't be surprised if he returns to pitching somewhere down the line.
Oh, and as far as salary goes, Ankiel made $320,000 last year. I am not sure what he is due to make this year, but I bet it's not much more than that. The Cards already paid the big bucks with his signing bonus. Still, I agree with you. I don't see him wearing the black and gold unless it was some kind of weird alternate dimension.
stratman01 - thanks for the kudos. Be patient, I am slowly working on a much better design and hope to have it up soon (day job willing).
<__trans phrase="Posted by:"> trev | March 16, 2005 8:29 PM