He's back!

Thursday St. Louis fans saw the return of Rick Ankiel, and he did not disappoint. I can vaguely recall his meltdowns back in the 1999-2000 seasons, and everyone thought he was done for good. I think he surprised everyone when he decided to transition to the outfield and after tearing up the minor leagues this season he finally got called up! He's got a surprisingly hot bat and from what he's shown he can play the field and isn't afraid to lay out to make a catch. He's already hit 3 homeruns in his first 4 games up, and made some spectacular catches.

If he continues to play well and shows he can be an everyday player, the Cardinals should send Juan Encarnacion's sorry ass packing and deal for some pitching. I mean how many outfielders do we need? Jimmy Edmonds, General So Taguchi, Rick Ankiel (didn't they used to call him Wild Thing?), Chris "I likes me some chaw" Duncan, Ryan Ludwick and Juan "I'm a useless sack of crap" Encarnacion.

Despite the Redbirds troubles, and the many losses of the pitching staff to the D/L, the Cardinals have managed to somehow stay only 5 or so games back behind the Brewers and Cubs. And since Ankiel has come back they've won 3 of 4 games. Maybe he's a good luck charm or maybe this cities love of Ankiel is helping light a fire under the Cardinals collective asses because the past few games since the Padres series and Dodgers series, they are playing like a different team. Go Cards!