Ricky Ankiel was in effect his own worst enemy. He sorely lacked plate discipline, but the times he DID exhibit a modicum of it you could immediately see his ability, power and athleticism. I shudder to use the word "potential" because it's tossed around as a buzzword for players who don't cut the mustard.
What I don't understand is how Davey "Spittoon" Johnson told him that centerfield was his...only to bench him because of the arm by which the opposition's pitcher threw the ball. Davey should have shown some courage by ignoring the "Manglement by Recipe" book written by Tony LaRussa.
If you never expect a LH batter to hit against a LH pitcher, then keep doing what you're doing. Most coaches I've experienced personally seem to have a nasty expectation that you will improve your weaknesses...or else. That means batting against a lefty if you're a lefty, so be it, or hit the bench...for a LONG time.
In my own (brief) professional career, a slight physical deformity made it difficult for me to use my left foot/leg as well (or close to) my right. That did NOT impress my coach, who told me 3 months before practices began that I'd be using my left foot for long passes and shooting with equivalent precision as my right. His reign of terror paid off, too, since during my final season I scored more goals with my left foot than my right.
So, DJ, it CAN be done. Enough of the silly switch-hitting superstition...managers don't freak when a rightie faces a rightie...Ankiel is yet another victim of this baseball voodoo doodoo.
Edited 7/22/12 by rispaverse