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Ankiel may end up with Braves

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Though Frank Wren has indicated the Braves might not make a deal for a run-producing outfielder until spring training or even during the season, there are indications they could get it done before then with a Cardinals outfielder not named Ludwick. How does Rick Ankiel sound? The former lefty pitcher-turned-center fielder is available, and the Cardinals are said to prefer trading him instead of Ludwick because Ludwick will still be cheap for several more years. Braves would probably have to give up at least Kelly Johnson to get Ludwck, and the Cardinals might even demand Yunel Escobar. But not for Ankiel, who's eligible for free agency after the 2009 season, and a Scott Boras client the Cardinals probably have no confidence they could afford to re-sign. The Braves might prefer Ankiel over Ludwick anyway, since Ludwick's 37-homer, 113-RBI season in 2008 was far and away his career best, and at age 29. The Braves, like other teams, have questions as to whether Ludwick could reasonably be expected to replicate that sort of performance, given that his previous bests in an injury-slowed big-league career were 14 homers and 52 RBI in 2007.

Atlanta Journal Constitution

Rick Ankiel, Doug Benc/Getty Images Rick Ankiel, Doug Benc/Getty Images

Comments (24) Add A Comment

December 9, 2008  07:35 AM ET
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The Cardinals no longer need Escobar and Kelly Johnson does not get you Ankiel or Ludwick.

December 9, 2008  07:43 AM ET
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The Cardinals are looking for pitching now. I can see Ankiel being traded for pitching.

December 9, 2008  09:53 AM ET
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QUOTE(#2):
Originally posted 07:43 AM ET  12.09 by CardsFan2

The Cardinals are looking for pitching now. I can see Ankiel being traded for pitching.

Agreed. The Escobar angle makes no sense, but I can definitely see Ankiel being dealt for pitching.

December 9, 2008  10:29 AM ET
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Who wants a roids guy in Atlanta? You guys keep him please.

December 9, 2008  10:50 AM ET
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This would be a genius move by the Cards... selling very, very high!!!

December 9, 2008  11:03 AM ET
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QUOTE(#1):
Originally posted 07:35 AM ET  12.09 by CardsFan2

The Cardinals no longer need Escobar and Kelly Johnson does not get you Ankiel or Ludwick.

Agree.... this makes no sense..... the Braves just traded away Escobar's backup too.... if they made this trade, then they'd need a SS..... I know they have a hot prospect in the minors (forget his name), but he hasn't spent a day in the bigs.....

December 9, 2008  01:07 PM ET
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I'd rather see the Braves trade for Cory Hart. Not sure why the Brewers would move him, but heard the rumor they might. I think he has three years until arbitration.

December 9, 2008  02:47 PM ET
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QUOTE(#7):
Originally posted 01:07 PM ET  12.09 by Mondo Jay

I'd rather see the Braves trade for Cory Hart. Not sure why the Brewers would move him, but heard the rumor they might. I think he has three years until arbitration.

Cory Hart? Why do they need someone that wears sunglasses at night?

December 9, 2008  03:08 PM ET
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QUOTE(#4):
Originally posted 10:29 AM ET  12.09 by stagger lee

Who wants a roids guy in Atlanta? You guys keep him please.

Way to make your first comment on FN an idiotic one.

December 9, 2008  03:09 PM ET
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QUOTE(#8):
Originally posted 02:47 PM ET  12.09 by BigFletchDog

Cory Hart? Why do they need someone that wears sunglasses at night?

True. The outfield lights (or lack thereof) can be difficult in Atlanta. Maybe Hart is a bad idea...

December 9, 2008  03:10 PM ET
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QUOTE(#9):
Originally posted 03:08 PM ET  12.09 by TenRingsSTL

Way to make your first comment on FN an idiotic one.

Well, you can't make two idiotic comments until you make one...

December 9, 2008  03:19 PM ET
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If they are willing to deal Ankiel for pitching, why not try to trade him and a few others for Peavy? I am still not sold on Rasmus so I am not all that big on the thought of having him as our starting centerfielder unless theplan is to put Skip in center and Joe Mather in left.

December 9, 2008  04:50 PM ET
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QUOTE(#12):
Originally posted 03:19 PM ET  12.09 by Superheat

If they are willing to deal Ankiel for pitching, why not try to trade him and a few others for Peavy? I am still not sold on Rasmus so I am not all that big on the thought of having him as our starting centerfielder unless theplan is to put Skip in center and Joe Mather in left.

That's just it. We have too many good young outfielders. One or more of them are going to be traded, hopefully for pitching. I think Ankiel is one of the most likely because he's a Boris player approaching his free agency years.

I also think we can get more for him than Rasmus. Prospects are nice; but, someone who has actually done it in the big leagues is much better. That's especially true if a team is looking for immediate help in the lineup.

December 9, 2008  04:53 PM ET
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How about Ankiel to the Giants for Matt Cain?

They need left handed power in the stadium built to order for Barry Bonds.

December 9, 2008  05:42 PM ET
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QUOTE(#14):
Originally posted 04:53 PM ET  12.09 by CardsFan2

How about Ankiel to the Giants for Matt Cain?They need left handed power in the stadium built to order for Barry Bonds.

I think the Giants would want at least a prospect and Ankiel to get that deal done. They were pretty high on Cain last summer. He would be a good bet for any team.

December 9, 2008  06:06 PM ET
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QUOTE(#15):
Originally posted 05:42 PM ET  12.09 by budman59

I think the Giants would want at least a prospect and Ankiel to get that deal done. They were pretty high on Cain last summer. He would be a good bet for any team.

I think you're right, but you have to make them ask for it or they'll want two prospect.

Comment #17 has been removed
December 9, 2008  11:10 PM ET
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QUOTE(#17):
Originally posted 09:24 PM ET  12.09 by Tell it like it is

Thank you for the intelligent comment. Why don't they get Peavy? He can be had.

I think the offer the Padres turned down from the Braves made the Cards say screw that. Don't waste your time. The Braves may still wind up with Peavy before this is over.

The Braves are still looking at shortstops. Why?

Comment #19 has been removed
 
December 10, 2008  12:07 AM ET
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QUOTE(#18):
Originally posted 11:10 PM ET  12.09 by CardsFan2

I think the offer the Padres turned down from the Braves made the Cards say screw that. Don't waste your time. The Braves may still wind up with Peavy before this is over.The Braves are still looking at shortstops. Why?

Agree. Apparentlty, the rumor that the Peavy trade is almost done for the Cubs was apparently news to the Cubs. Towers played chicken with the Braves and lost. He should pick up the phone and call Wren to apologize for being such a greedy tool.

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