Rick Ankiel has had an encouraging week

I posted earlier in the week about Rick Ankiel's streaky nature at the plate, and how the Cardinals need him to spend a lot more time in hot mode than in the cold zone if they are going to be able to contend.

Well, his latest hot streak seems like it could be more of a trend than a fluke.

I've noticed in his last few games that Ankiel's situational hitting has improved dramatically. Last season and earlier this year, he seemed like he was swinging for the fences on every single hack. But Friday night was a pretty good example of him cutting down his swing when he got behind on the count and concentrated on putting the ball in play instead of trying to crush it.

The great hitters, like Albert Pujols, hit the ball where it is pitched and adjust their goals for the situation.

It doesn't do any good to strike out trying to pull a home run down the left field line when a three hopper to the second baseman will drive the run home...

I've often wondered what to realistically expect from Ankiel. He has enormous talent. But he has very little experience as a hitter, when you think about it. Talent can only take you so far before pitchers make adjustments to you. How you counter those adjustments makes all the difference in the world. And I'm really encouraged by what I have seen the last few days from Little Ricky.