Former pitching prospect turned head case turned failure turned outfield prospect Rick Ankiel made his re-debut as a Cardinal last night, hitting a three-run homer that powered St. Louis past the Padres 5-0. It was kind of surprising that the Cardinals called up Ankiel at all — they are, after all, firmly ensconced below .500, and Ankiel had only hit 32 home runs in Triple-A this season. It just didn't make any sense to bring a young power hitter into the lineup.
But anyway. As expected, people were all giddy that a guy whose promising career imploded has been reincarnated at a different position. Tony LaRussa:
"Short of winning the World Series, it's the happiest I've seen our club. I'm fighting my butt off to keep it together. Next to striking out [Brandon Inge to win the World Series], that's the happiest I've been in this uniform."
And here I was thinking Adam Wainwright got the last out of the series last year. I had no idea it was LaRussa on the mound. That LaRussa! So versatile. A baseball genius, really.
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I can't wait for this douchetruffle to hit .220 with an OPS of .600 and get sent back to Memphis faster than a pried-open FedEx package.
I actually had a dreamed I was playing in the Major Leagues last night. I struck out because my helmet was covering my eyes. And this has pretty much nothing to do with anything.
Nothing clever to say here. Even as a Brewers fan I was REALLY happy for him last night. You can't write that up any better in Hollywood. Not that I know the guy, nor does he care, but I was really happy for him.
Its just hilarious to see the coverage this is getting over at Deadspin…if anything could turn Will gay it would be this guy.
Joe Morgan has no comment at this point about this kid Ankiel. He'll have to see a little more of his play to make any determination.
congrats to the guy for becoming a power hitter, hopefully he doesnt have to make a game saving throw to the plate. throwing 5 wild pitches in one inning has to stick in one's mind.
LaRussa was so excited rumor has it he took a bite out of a hamburger.
I hope he starts juicing.
"Remember, fans, Tuesday is Die Hard Night. Free admission for anyone who was actually alive the last time
the Indians won the pennantRick Ankiel was in the lineup."Matt Vasgersian STILL thinks St. Louis Sucks and wants Rick Ankiel to get back in his El Camino and drive back to the ozarks.
Tony took him out for beers.
"I'm fighting my butt off to zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz….."
I believe I heard Roger Maris' family was in attendance for this event.
If they weren't they should have been.
This clown cost me the under in a 2000 playoff game against the mets with about 17 wild pitches
Nice to see LaChoke school girl giddy over Ankiel's return…given he's the guy that ruined him forever as a pitcher.
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