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MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Ankiel promoted to double-A

August 2, 2005 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


The St. Louis Cardinals announced Tuesday that Rick Ankiel has been transferred to the Springfield Cardinals, while rookie Casey Rowlett has been transferred to Quad Cities. Also, second baseman Calvin Hayes has been placed on the Temporary Inactive List.

The power-hitting Ankiel opened the year with Springfield of the Class-AA Texas League, playing six games before landing on the disabled list and eventually heading to the Quad Cities. The former major league pitcher, who announced a decision to pursue a career as an outfielder during spring training, hit .270 while belting 11 home runs with 53 RBI in 51 games with the Swing.

Primarily a right-fielder when he joined the Swing, Ankiel also spent some time in center but had been relegated to the designated hitter's role for his last 17 games due to an injury to his right leg. He will now head back to Springfield, skipping the Class A-Advanced Florida State League as he strives to return to the majors.

Joining the Swing roster will be Casey Rowlett, the sixth 2005 draftee to come to the Quad Cities this season. The 32nd rounder out of the University of Arkansas hit .473 with 21 runs scored and 16 stolen bases in 23 games during his senior season for the Razorbacks, who went 39-22. In 2004, as a 5-8, 175-pound junior, Rowlett hit .292 over 68 of his team's 69 games, stealing 22 bases and scoring 47 runs.

Through his first 36 professional games, spent with New Jersey of the Short Season-A New York-Penn League, Rowlett hit .252 with 18 runs scored, checking in at 4-for-4 in the stolen base department. While he was listed as a center fielder on draft day, Rowlett only played the outfield for five games with New Jersey. He was primarily used on the infield, seeing time at second base, shortstop, and third base.

Second baseman Calving Hayes has temporarily left the Swing of the Quad Cities for personal reasons.

The Swing of the Quad Cities roster currently stands at 24 active players, one shy of the Midwest League maximum. Rowlett will be the 51st player to see time in a Swing uniform this season.

An updated roster follows this release.

UP NEXT: The Swing return home to begin an eight-game homestand as they host the Clinton LumberKings on Tuesday night. The Swing will send Matt Scherer (8-5, 3.57) to the mound against Paul Kometani (0-0, 2.96). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00, and pregame coverage on Progressive Talk AM 1270 will begin at 6:45.

UPCOMING HOMESTAND: The Swing will return to John O'Donnell Stadium to begin an eight-game homestand as they open a four-game series against the Clinton LumberKings on Tuesday, August 2. The homestand will feature two Hooters/97 Rock Beverage Nights, scheduled for August 3 and August 10. In addition, the ZOOperstars will return to John O'Donnell Stadium on Saturday, August 6, there will be a fireworks show on Friday, August 5. Tickets are available for all Swing games by calling (563) 328-2000.

Check out the Quad Cities River Bandits Statistics



Midwest League Stories from August 2, 2005


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