...But can he still pitch?

(Yes, we agree with you. That IS a damn scary picture of Rick Ankiel, circa Jan. 2009 during a Cardinals fan-fest-type event. UPI Photo/Bill Greenblatt via Newscom.)

...because we're not sure if he can still hit.

Nationals sign Rick Ankiel to 1-year, $1.5+ Million deal.

Also, the Nationals signed Ryan Mattheus  to a big league deal and a boatload of guys to minor league deals on Monday.

Also, some guy named Stephen Strasburg checked in with real live beat writers on a conference call and says he's feeling great. Great! Still won't throw a baseball until next year. That's good news. For our money, here's the money quote from Strasburg, via Zuckerman:

"I'm just waiting for them to tell me when I can start throwing."
(Stephen Strasburg, via NatsInsider, 12/20/2010)

Anyway, about that 2011 pitching staff. Is it time to get Mike Bacsik on the line?

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Comments

[ckstevenson]

He's gonna get his left hand broke with that bunting technique...

I like everything else about that picture.

[anon11]

All work and no play makes Rick a dull boy?

[The Nationals Enquirer]

@ckstevenson: how about the camo-ish shirt thing he has on there. You're OK with that?

[ckstevenson]

I'm loving the shirt, and especially like the tender way he's caressing the end of the bat...