Already giving up on Ankiel?

[love_that_reefer]

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com, the Nationals are seeking an upgrade over Rick Ankiel for center field.
The Nationals traded Nyjer Morgan to the Brewers at the end of spring training and while they certainly had their reasons at the time, Ankiel just doesn't profile as an everyday player. Roger Bernadina is a possibility, but the Nationals aren't convinced that he can play center field. Meanwhile, Jerry Hairston Jr. is off to a slow start with the bat. There's nothing out there to suggest that the teams are actually talking, but Rosenthal writes that "in a perfect world," the Nationals would be able to acquire Rays center fielder B.J. Upton, who comes from the same part of Virginia as Ryan Zimmerman.

Ankiel is off to a slow start hitting just .211 with a .584 OPS. I know I would love for the Nationals to take Rowand off our hands who is off to a good start but the Giants would have to eat a lot of money and I'm not sure the Giants are willing to do so. Plus the Giants have had a lot of injuries early to the OF. BJ Upton would be great for the Nationals but don't see the Rays letting another superstar go plus he's under control through 2013. Ankiel is not an everyday guy so this will be something to keep an eye on considering the Nats are off to a decent start.

[catman]

Ankiel has tremendous power, but is very strikeout prone. He is a decent defender with a great arm, but sometimes loses focus in the field. I'd like to see him go back to the minors for a while just to get his head straight again.

[missionhockey21]

I don't blame them. Ankiel hasn't had a truly good season 2008 and right now looks like at best he could be a 4th or 5th outfielder, and that is after he gets his mechanics back in check.

[Trendy Bastard]

Hey Nats.. Come take Marlon Byrd from us in exchange for two of your top prospects.

Thanks.

[love_that_reefer]

Mike Rizzo isn't Ned Colletti