Cardinals, Ankiel avoid arbitration

ST. LOUIS -- The Cardinals and left-hander Rick Ankiel avoided arbitration on Tuesday, agreeing on a one-year contract.

Ankiel, 25, spent most of last season on the disabled list following reconstructive elbow surgery in July 2003. He appeared in five September games in relief and won his first major league game in more than three seasons on Oct. 1 over the Brewers.

Ankiel won 11 games as a rookie in 2000 before wildness and injuries derailed his career. He could be the team's fifth starter early next season while Matt Morris rehabs from offseason shoulder surgery.

The Cardinals took Ankiel in the second round of the 1999 draft. He has a career record of 13-10 with a 3.90 ERA.

With the signings of Ankiel and Jason Marquis on Monday, the team has no players remaining that are eligible for arbitration. Tuesday was the day for teams and agents to submit salary figures.