Comeback Win

There's not been a lot of talk this spring about Rick Ankiel, at least by Ankiel standards.  He's not dominating from the mound.  He's not coming back from wildness.  He's not trying to work his way back to the team.  He's not switching to the outfield.  He's not in his first ST as an outfielder.  He's a returning outfielder.  Sure, there's talk--will he keep up the power?  Can he hit for more average?--but there's not the overwhelming focus that there has been in the past.

While that's not likely to change with all the other questions in camp, Rick did get a little attention yesterday, blasting two home runs in a comeback 6-5 win.  He's now hitting .368 with three round-trippers.  Not that there was any doubt he was going to be a starting outfielder, but that doesn't hurt anything at all.  If he can hit like he did when he first came up last year, he's going to make a big impact on the offense this year.

Mortensen started yesterday and had a good couple of innings before they caught up with him. Still, the fact that a guy that was drafted last year is getting starts in spring training bodes well for him and the minor league system.  (Or it's an indictment of a weak system, but I think it's the former.)  The bullpen pitched well and kept the team in the game, even if Jamie Garcia did give up the tying run after Ankiel had put the Cards ahead with his second home run.

Off the field, Kyle Lohse worked out in camp yesterday.  Looks like he'll get a simulated game early next week and then join the rotation.  I'd guess he'll get a couple of starts before the season starts.  Hopefully that'll be enough.

Also, it appears that the pitchers are starting to get healthy.  Mulder and Clement are going to stay in extended spring training, which is no surprise.  Pineiro threw yesterday and will again today.  His response to that could be a big key to the early season.

Interesting that Mozeliak says that Mulder could be ready sooner than expected.  Duncan sees it as well.  However, as with any pitcher or any injury, you take what comes out of camp with a grain--or silo--of salt.  It's a lot easier to be positive this time of year.

Today is Cardinals at Mets and a rematch of the early season meeting as Wainwright goes up against Johan Santana.  Hopefully with similar results.

Oh, and if you've not been over there, VEB has made the change to their new platform.  Looks pretty snazzy, though it'll take some getting used to.


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