La Russa has a talk with Ankiel
04/20/2009

CHICAGO — Manager Tony La Russa met with slumping outfielder Rick Ankiel on Sunday shortly after the Cardinals' night game against the Chicago Cubs was postponed.

La Russa, who did not write Ankiel into his early lineup against lefthander Ted Lilly, encouraged Ankiel to maintain a consistent approach. Ankiel enters this week's six-game home stand against the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs hitting .179 after enduring an 0-for-six game in Saturday's 11-inning loss.

His manager believes Ankiel may be pressing a bit. There are more difficult problems to fix.

"It's better for a manager or a coach to gear a guy down who may be trying too hard than to have him get his motor going," La Russa said. "He's just trying to force things. You just want him to get back to basics."


04/20/2009 - La Russa has a talk with Ankiel - STLtoday.com

I hate that Rick is getting off to such a slow start, but I think that it is going to be just a matter of time before he breaks out...