MLB: Cardinals, Ankiel agree to one-year contract
By R.B. FALLSTROM
AP Sports Writer
ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Cardinals and outfielder Rick Ankiel have avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract.
Ankiel had sought $3.3 million while the Cardinals offered $2.35 million. The Cardinals did not reveal the terms of the deal Thursday, the day the parties were set for a hearing in Phoenix, Ariz.
Ankiel made $975,000 last season. He batted .264 with 25 home runs and 71 RBIs in a season cut short by abdominal surgery.
The Cardinals have one arbitration case remaining with outfielder Ryan Ludwick. The hearing his set for Feb. 17.