Royals Sign RICK ANKIEL

[Shortstop]

I remember when this guy couldn't find the plate as a pitcher. It was tough to watch.

Will Kansas City put him in the starting lineup as an outfielder or the DH?

[Shelton]

i dont think he will ever see the mound again...of

[Shortstop]

He's got a good stick and a strong arm. Right Field would be my prediction.

[ryanspeer2001]

Watching Ankiel try to pitch back in the day was a travesty, he is quite the serviceable outfielder though.

[julio_cat]

He could easily be a DH if there is no space as a OF.
Good move by the royals. Still they need mid-relievers

[Terrapin Station]

I think KC already said that Jose Guillien will be the DH.

Ankiel should be a solid RF for the Royals. They've got an abundance of OF's now, someone is going to get moved.

[infamousbacardi]

I don't know...wasn't he a young prodigy of sorts...he was throwing the ball great, then he threw the ball over the catcher in a playoff game and he couldn't even play catch anymore...he got mentally destroyed.

[infamousbacardi]

Don't get me wrong, he'll never throw again from the mound...just saying. Not a bad signing at that price though!

[ZetaPsi808]

hes washed up now. former HGH user

[mebaran]

He's got a good stick and a strong arm. Right Field would be my prediction.

Agreed. They are shallow enough as it is...they need him to put the glove on consistently.

[Shortstop]

I don't know...wasn't he a young prodigy of sorts...he was throwing the ball great, then he threw the ball over the catcher in a playoff game and he couldn't even play catch anymore...he got mentally destroyed.

Same thing happened to Steve Sax throwing to the 1st baseman years ago. It was a mental situation.

[Busterflywheel]

i dont think he will ever see the mound again...of

I cant see them putting him back on the mound after last season...

[Shortstop]

They might put him in to pitch when they're down 22-1 in the 7th inning...

[Tampagirl]

I agree with most of the posts on this blog. I mean he is ok and all, but not for that much money. The angels could have used it better.

[Ian]

Considering how hopeless the Royals are, it would be interesting if they tried to use him as a utility outfielder and a middle reliever. At the very least it would open up a roster spot for a specialist. If it fails, so what, they were going to suck anyway.

[Busterflywheel]

Confirmed HGH user??

[julio_cat]

I think he can hit, he can play RF, but when the game is already decided, what is wrong with giving him a Inning or two in mid-relief?

[2Bdown]

i wouldnt let this guy pitch a legion game

[Ian]

I think he can hit, he can play RF, but when the game is already decided, what is wrong with giving him a Inning or two in mid-relief?

Judging from last year's stats, I think he's declined past the point where he is a legit corner outfielder. He can still make for a viable sub though, and I totally agree with allowing him to be the last guy in the pen.

[rob11234]

Hmmm...who cares?

[Morrisbettor]

You have to love his story regardless of how well he performs.

[nitty48]

hes made an impressive transition from pitcher to everyday player. not many people could do that.

[smitch124]

They might put him in to pitch when they're down 22-1 in the 7th inning...

It might be worth a shot, maybe it'll all come back to him

[nbt3428]

Rick won't be touching the pitching rubber anytime soon...he should be good for 20 hrs, 70 rbis and a .260 average with 400+ abs this year...nothing great but good enough for royals

[The J Man]

The guy can hit a little bit. He can be a solid contributor for the Royals in the outfield this season.

[rdo37]

i wouldnt let this guy pitch a legion game

your avatar is going to give me nightmares

[stealthyburrito]

I guess he was expendable after Holliday signed that ridiculously fat contract. He's got the best cannon in the bigs

[Ace_of_Spades]

Not bad.