Instead of getting on with real life, he reinvented himself as an outfielder. He went back to the low levels of the minor leagues to begin refining his natural hitting skills and learn to play the outfield. Almost no one thought he had a chance of making it, but the Cardinals were patient. If nothing else, the officials admired his tenacity.

He began last season at Class AAA Memphis and put together a nice season, hitting .267 and leading the Pacific Coast League with 32 home runs before he was recalled to the big leagues.

"He does things at the plate that should require more major league at-bats than he has," La Russa said. "His transformation isn't complete. He is only going to get better. He is dedicated and works very hard."

As the Cardinals went into the 2008 season, they generally were picked to finish near the bottom of the NL Central. They had four starting pitchers, with 355 victories combined, on the disabled list and had an everyday lineup that consisted of Albert Pujols and ...

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Skip Schumaker? Ryan Ludwick? Ankiel?

Never underestimate La Russa's ability to both judge talent and create the correct mindset.

And then there's Ankiel, a reluctant interview, unwilling to dig into the past.

"Things are going in a positive direction," he told the Post-Dispatch. "I'm happy about where I am. I learn something new every day. I love the game, and I'm fortunate that the Cardinals gave me an opportunity to see if I could make the switch. I've reached a point where they are comfortable, and I am comfortable."

He's comfortable and productive in a way a lot of people never expected. He's a good lesson on why heart and desire is almost as important as talent. Turns out, he has plenty of both.

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