Cardinals agree with OF Ankiel

Feb 12, 2009 - 8:05 PM JUPITER, Florida (Ticker) -- The St. Louis Cardinals agreed with outfielder Rick Ankiel on a one-year contract Thursday, thereby avoiding arbitration.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported the deal is for $2.83 million. The Cardinals had offered $2.35 million, while Ankiel was asking for $3.35 million.

The Cardinals have not had a salary arbitration hearing since 1999. Outfielder Ryan Ludwick remains unsigned, with a hearing set for February 17.

A former pitcher, Ankiel made $900,000 last season, when he hit .264 with 25 home runs and 71 RBI in his first full season as a position player.

"We are excited to get this deal done and put the process behind us," Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said. "Everyone felt that this agreement was fair to both parties and we can now look forward to another strong season of play from Rick."

A second-round pick by St. Louis in 1997, Ankiel rose through the system as a star pitcher before a historic meltdown in the 1999 playoffs led him to switch positions.