Cardinals, Ankiel agree to one-year contract

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals and outfielder Rick Ankiel avoided arbitration on Thursday, agreeing on a one-year contract.

Ankiel had sought $3.3 million while the Cardinals had offered $2.35 million. The Cardinals did not reveal terms of the agreement, which came on the day the parties had been set for a hearing in Phoenix, Ariz.

Ankiel made $975,000 last season, batting .264 with 25 home runs and 71 RBIs in a season shortened by season-ending abdominal surgery.

The Cardinals have one arbitration case remaining with outfielder Ryan Ludwick due for a hearing on Feb. 17. Ludwick is seeking $4.25 million while the Cardinals have offered $2.8 million.

Ludwick made $421,000 last year when he had a breakout season with 37 homers, 113 RBIs and a .299 average.

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

The Cardinals have not had a salary arbitration hearing since 1999.

The 29-year-old Ankiel restarted his career as an outfielder after breaking into the major leagues at age 19 as a hard-throwing left-handed pitcher. Last season was his first full year as a position player.

In 585 at-bats as a position player, Ankiel has totaled 36 homers and 110 RBIs.