Wild Ride: The Rick Ankiel Story

With the dramatic emergence of Rick Ankiel, many have mentioned the Hollywood value of Rick's story. So, with that in mind, let's begin the casting speculation for what Cards 'N Stuff is calling "Wild Ride: The Rick Ankiel Story."

Below, I've made 3 or 4 casting decisions for a few key roles. Feel free to add to, change, or just comment on any and all choices.

Rick Ankiel: Ankiel himself would do well to be portrayed by Jim Caviezal, the man who played Jesus Christ in Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" as well as the leading role in "Frequency." He has the look, the youth, and the ability to tug on the heart strings of audience members during Rick's more emotional moments.

Tony La Russa: The somber, intellectual Manager has been the bookend figure for Rick Ankiel. He was there when Ankiel came up as a pitcher in 2000 and has been a key force in bringing him back to the Bigs. I go with Robert Deniro to play the iconic St. Louis Manager.

Dave Duncan and Walt Jocketty: Okay...I'm split here. Both need prominent roles in the movie. Dave as Rick's pitching coach during the much-discussed fall from grace, and Walt as the man behind the decision to make the switch from pitcher to hitter. I like both Robert Duval and Gene Hackman, but who for who? You decide. (I prefer Duval as Jocketty and Hackman as Duncan)