The Yankees have some interest in picking up Rick Ankiel according to Adam Kilgore of The Washington Post (on Twitter). Earlier this week we heard that they didn't have any interest in the outfielder, but Brett Gardner is out for the year with an elbow issue and Nick Swisher left last night's game with a leg problem.
Ankiel, 33, was designated for assignment by the Nationals a few days ago. He hit .228/.282/.411 with five homers in 171 plate appearances this season, including .237/.299/.437 in 148 plate appearances against righties. Ankiel signed a one-year deal worth $1.25MM with Washington this past offseason.
DerekJeterDan
Peter Gammons mentioned this the other day. Describing it as a great fit.
Some fans on here will say that bringing in Ankiel is a waste of time…
But I’m going to trust in the Hall of Fame reporters judgment.
Ankiels swing along with his arm in RF would be a great piece for the Yankees to have in wake of Swishers injury. It’s not a long commitment and has potential.
When he’s hitting against right handers, he’s still a .736 OPS guy. I like the fit.
ARod's Ring
An outfield of Wise/Ibanez, Granderson, Ankiel, would be one of the worst Yankees outfield in recent memories.
NYPOTENCE
Not too worried about that as Swisher is not expected to miss much time and the platoon of Ibanez and Jones has been tremendous so far this season.
Jose Borrero
well said if you play him against right hander pitcher he ll be fine
Brandon.
I would be pretty upset if the Yankees decided to pick up Ankiel. They can do a lot better than picking up someone that just got sent down to the minors for his performance. Granted, they don’t want to get someone that’s going to damage their chances at getting under that $189 Mill mark, but DeWayne Wise is doing just fine, rather than picking up someone like Ankiel. I think the lowest they should go is for someone like Victorino.
ROR1997
As a Yankee fan, I don’t exactly want to see them ankiel. I would rather them try to trade 2 prospects for victorino or a little more for Denard Span. I watch all the Yankee games, and I loved the series against the angels because whenever mike trout got on he would steal. The Yankees right now are lacking speed with Gardner out and they have to improve on that. I say either get victorino as a rental, or get span and lock him up long term. Cash man has to know, in the play offs, having a guy who can steal second 85% of the time and can steal third 75% of the time can be really important late in games.
Walt Friedman
Span is already signed through 2014 with a team option for 2015, so… no need to lock him up.
ROR1997
I thought he was only until 2013
JacobyWanKenobi
No they don’t.
Lefty
Honestly, I think the Orioles should consider picking up Ankiel. Heaven forbid if Adam Jones gets hurt, we really don’t have anyone to fill the void.
Plus, we could always trade Endy Chavez to the Yankees for a box of baseballs. I want to ensure that the Yankees get him, because if you DFA Endy, he might not make it to the Bronx and I want to ensure that he does and safely! :p
ROR1997
Also I really think they should make a move for Garza before the sox do, I’m getting nervous with the sox getting healthy he would be great for a year and a half.
Sabathia
Nova
Garza
Hughes
Kuroda
Seems solid, and when pettitte returns you can drop Hughes if he isn’t performing well. Plus I don’t want to see Hughes anywhere near a starting spot in the post season
Brandon.
I’m not sure if Garza is the best option, but he is also not the worst. I would like to see one more solid post season starter though. Although this depends on if the Yankees decide to do a 3 man or 4 man rotation in the post season. C.C. is notorious for being great on threee days rest.
Sabathia
Pettite
Nova
or
Sabathia
Pettiite
Nova
Kuroda
Neither of those sound awful, but adding someone like Garza would be pretty good, but who woulld you kick out? I don’t feel completely comfortable with Nova because of how many runs he allows, but how can you ignore how many wins he has?
LazerTown
You dont make moves because you are scared the competition will. If the sox want to unload their farm system for 1.5 years of garza I would be happy. If you need the player it is one thing, but Sabathia, pettitte, Kuroda, Nova/Hughes should be able to get it done in the playoffs. I really don’t think that Garza would greatly increase their postseason chances.
YanksFan4EverNamed_Nick
hughes is a 2-3 starter on most other teams
tomymogo
Ankiel could probably hit 20 HR in Yankee stadium with that RF.
ROR1997
If the that was true they would have picked him up by now, we need speed over power right now
Natsfan89
That’s assuming he could make contact.
Big fan of Ankiel and what he’s accomplished but realistically he’s nothing but a defensive sub who can occasionally run into one.
BitLocker
Honestly, the Yankees need a everyday catcher. Russel Martin is basically a pitcher who’s a free out. Yankees biggest need right now is a catching position rather than another outfield.
LazerTown
Martin is pretty underrated. He doesn’t hit for a high average, but he takes alot of pitches, and gets alot of walks. He doesn’t hit for a high average, but he is able to get on base. Look at alot of other lineups, they often have players that are worse near the bottom, since they are free swingers.
RFsnapple
That’s something you can worry about after the season. Martin’s solid enough on defense so the lack of offense is bearable.
mlbscout6
David Dejesus would be a smart name to look into.
Willjhull
Ankiel would be a good fit in NYC and while he is on the last third of his career I think that short RF porch would be just what he needs. Maybe a new hitting coach can help him with a better plate strategy. At least he can run a ball down in the OF, which is more than I can say for most of the Yankee OF’s. He will save runs with that arm too…
Guest 4358
how about this, Mets get Brett Marshall from AA and give the Yankees Hairston and Batista
slider32
I wouldn’t tough Ankiel if I’m the Yanks, there are better options in AAA.
mgsports
Ankiel/Soriano/Maholm/Marmol to Yankees,Dempster/Soto/David D. to Nats and like DJ Mitchell and so on to Cubs?
Monkey’s Uncle
I would not mind at all if the Pirates looked into picking up Ankiel. Drew Sutton is not going to hit forever, Presley cannot get on base enough, Tabata and Hernandez can’t hit, and by all accounts Marte isn’t ready yet. Ankiel would benefit from the short right field, and with Tabata in the minors we could use another good arm in the OF. If the price is right, he’s worth a look to me.
formerdraftpick 2
The Yankees will probably claim Pearce.
Jose Borrero
i dont think ankiel can be a regular but if he play every 3 days he might be effective and not to mention he have one of the strongest arm in baseball he just dont make contact lol maybe kevin long canwork some magic
Marcy
Yankees should go after Gerardo Parra. Everyone is talking about Upton – they aren’t using Parra, he won the gold glove last year, he does all the little things – gets on base, steals, great fielder – he’s perfect and a free agent at the end of the year so he won’t cost too much.