According to the Kansas City Star OF Rick Ankiel has agreed to a deal with the Kansas City Royals. A one-year deal worth $3.25 Million, and a mutual option for $6 Million.
Ankiel fell out of favor in St. Louis, Colby Rasmus will be replacing him in Center field. The Cards were concerned with “hole’s” in Ankiel’s swing. They felt that Rasmus would be a better fit.
Ankiel is known as a good defensive Center Fielder with a strong arm. Though, recently he’s had his fair share of injury problems. He dealt with shoulder, achilles tendon, and groin problems nearly all of 2009.
Ankiel will bring some competition in what has become a very crowded outfield in Kansas City. Having already acquired Brian Anderson and Scott Podsednik Ankiel seems to be the remaining piece. However, they still have Mitch Maier, Jose Guillen, and David DeJesus.
Podsednik and Anderson seem to be destined for bench roles. With Maier and DeJesus starting at the corners and Ankiel in Center field, leaving DHing duties to Guillen.
