Comments on: Royals Sign Ankiel

By: Patrick

Patrick — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:57:19 +0000

The whole thumbs down thing is getting pretty stupid when you have someone at a net -30 or whatever without a single response stating why people find the comment so unbearable. If you disagree with what someone is saying, fine, state your reasoning instead and maybe we can all be enlightened. However, if it just gets your drawers in a twist to see someone disagree with the author of the post then maybe you should be reading a different website.

By: Felonius_Monk

Felonius_Monk — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:46:21 +0000

I disagree because Lafayette co Real Estate is run by pedophiles.

By: Tom Morris

Tom Morris — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:21:47 +0000

As a cardinals fan who’s watched almost every single game during Ankiel’s outfield tenure, I was extremely happy to see him sign with the Royals. It’s a case of significant addition by subtraction. Yes, he does have a cannon arm. But he also takes some of the worst routes I’ve ever seen by a centerfielder. We took to calling him “Skates” Ankiel because of how bad his first step is. First step in, fall down, then chase down the ball that went over your head. Maybe I’m missing something and the goal of a centerfielder is to make elaborate zig zag designs while chasing down fly balls. If so, then he is one of the best. Also, as far as hitters go, I’d like to know what pitch he can hit. Hard stuff, soft stuff, strikes, balls, high, low, inside, outside, he doesn’t hit anything hard on a consistent basis. Several times during last season opposing managers intentionally walked 2 hitters to get to ankiel. And as far as him being injured last season, he was hitting just as bad before he crashed into the wall as he did after. He has absolutely no plate discipline. The guy is a head case who crumbles in pressure situations and should have spent most of last season in the minors. I hope you enjoy that sub 700 ops and atrocious defense because that’s what you’re going to get. But on the plus side, have you seen the guy throw a football? He can really chuck it!

By: TCQ

TCQ — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 20:06:22 +0000

I really can’t figure what’s going on with the ratings. I have a +24(with zero negative ratings – probably blown that now) and basically no idea why.

My guess would be that people read Dave’s article, were convinced(and it was certainly a good article) and dropped into the comments only to see like six posts patently disagreeing. It left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth too, to be honest, but especially in regards to the Marcels point, there really isn’t a good argument against it, except maybe that Cameron’s projection could be dialed back a bit – ~.340 with upside, maybe – without changing his overall point.

I do like the thumbs up/thumbs down, though. It’s interesting at least, if nothing else.

By: JonnyBS

JonnyBS — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 15:15:40 +0000

Yes, Ankiel probably is not going to add more than a win, but if he rebounds, Moore can flip him during trade deadline for a prospect or two. Cheap upside is never bad.

By: KIG1

KIG1 — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 11:48:04 +0000

Ankiel was a fan favorite in STL and I’m kind of sad to see him go, but it was the right move. I won’t miss him swinging at sliders in the dirt, but will miss his throws.

For the Royals, it’s a pretty decent signing. He’ll hit around .255 / .315 with 15-20 HR.

By: vivaelpujols

vivaelpujols — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 03:07:55 +0000

Okay then, I’ll accept it’s a problem with me. Can those who disagree with most posts please stand up and say why?

By: Current Thread Tally

Current Thread Tally — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 01:22:33 +0000

you + viva = -95
everyone else = +149

Maybe the problem’s not with the voters?

By: TCQ

TCQ — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 22:23:59 +0000

Fair enough. He’s definitely not a huge minus though, especially if he’s used correctly(i.e. not in center), which I guess is the point I was making.

By: joser

joser — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 20:51:23 +0000

I wouldn’t worry about. There seems to be a fair chunk of the readership that contributes nothing but clicking on the thumbs-down arrow on just about every post.