Brett Anderson (baseball)

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Brett Anderson
Free agent
Pitcher
Born: (1988-02-01) February 1, 1988 (age 36)
Midland, Texas
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
MLB debut
April 10, 2009, for the Oakland Athletics
MLB statistics
(through 2016 season)
Win–loss record38–43
Earned run average3.86
Strikeouts507
Teams
Brett Anderson
Medal record
Men's baseball
Representing  United States
Olympic Games
Bronze medal – third place Beijing Team competition

Brett Franklin Anderson (born February 1, 1988) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Oakland Athletics, Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Early life

He attended Stillwater High School in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he was an all-state selection in 2006, his senior year. He was 9–0 that season with a 0.37 ERA, 102 strikeouts and only nine walks in 57 1⁄3 innings.[1] He played in the Connie Mack World Series with his amateur team after both his junior and senior seasons[2] and in the 2005 AFLAC High School All-American Game,[3] where he was the winning pitcher.[4] He also played for the US National 18-and-under team alongside Clayton Kershaw and Shawn Tolleson.[5]

Anderson's career numbers at Stillwater were 22–8 with eight saves, 276 strikeouts and an 0.90 ERA. He signed a letter of intent to play for Oklahoma State University where his father, Frank Anderson, was the head coach.[1]

Baseball career

Arizona Diamondbacks

Anderson was rated by Baseball America as having the best command of any high school prospect heading into the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft.[6] and was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second round.[7] He was torn between signing and playing for his dad at Oklahoma State. He said that playing at OSU “would be awesome. It’d be fun to play with my buddies. I’m torn.”[1] He also said that part of him wanted to prove that he should have been a first round pick.[1] Nevertheless, he agreed to a contract with the Diamondbacks that included a signing bonus of $950,000 with an additional $80,000 to continue his education if he wanted to.[8] The contract was finalized on September 1, 2006.[7]

Anderson made his professional debut on April 5, 2007, as the starting pitcher for the South Bend Silver Hawks of the Midwest League, in a game against the Great Lakes Loons, whose starting pitcher was former and future teammate Clayton Kershaw.[9][10] He was 8–4 with a 2.21 ERA in 14 starts for the Silver Hawks[11] and was selected to the Midwest League mid-season All-Star team.[12] On June 21, 2007, Anderson was promoted by the Diamondbacks organization to the Visalia Oaks in the Advanced-Class A California League.[13] On August 8, Anderson and several other Visalia players were involved in a car accident while en route to an amusement park, forcing the postponement of that nights game. Anderson sustained only a mild concussion but one of his teammates fractured his skull.[14] He pitched in nine games for the Oaks with a 3–3 record and 4.85 ERA[15] while missing some time due to some elbow tenderness.[16]

Oakland Athletics

Anderson with the Oakland Athletics.

On December 14, 2007, he was traded by Diamondbacks with Dana Eveland, Greg Smith, Aaron Cunningham, Carlos González and Chris Carter to the Oakland Athletics for Dan Haren and Connor Robertson.[17]

In 2008, Anderson was a combined 11–5 with a 3.69 ERA and 118 strikeouts in 20 games (19 starts) between the Stockton Ports in the California League and the Double-A Midland RockHounds of the Texas League.[15] In his debut for Midland, he struck out 12 batters and gave up two runs in six innings for the win.[18] He was selected to pitch in the All-Star Futures Game played at Yankee Stadium during the All-Star break[19][20] and was named to the U.S. Olympic Team in Beijing.[21] He pitched seven innings to collect the win in the bronze medal game against Japan.[22]

Anderson was a highly touted young prospect; in 2008 he was ranked as the 36th-best prospect in the Major Leagues,[23] and in 2009 he was ranked the top prospect in Oakland's system and the #7 prospect overall by Baseball America.[24]

Anderson was promoted to the Athletics as part of their opening day roster for 2009[25] and made his Major League debut on April 10, 2009 against the Seattle Mariners, allowing five runs in six innings to take the loss.[26] He picked up his first win when he allowed only two earned runs in six innings against the Tampa Bay Rays on May 20.[27] On July 6, he pitched a shutout against the Boston Red Sox striking out 9 batters, a career high. It was his first career shutout, and his first career complete game.[28][29]

On September 24, 2009, Anderson broke the Oakland Athletics single-season rookie strikeout record (previously set by Rick Langford in 1977), while racking up 6 strikeouts in 52⁄3 innings versus the Texas Rangers.[30] He finished the 2009 season with an 11–11 record, posting a 4.06 ERA. He led the team in wins (11) and shutouts (1) and tied with Brett Tomko in strikeouts (150).[7]

The Athletics signed Anderson to a four-year, $12.5 million, contract extension the start of the 2010 season,[31] which he began by throwing six shutout innings against the Mariners. He allowed 3 hits, struck out 4 and walked 1, getting the win. In 19 starts in 2010 he was 7-6 with a 2.80 ERA.[32] In 2011, after a June 5 outing, he was placed on the disabled list, eventually undergoing Tommy John surgery which required 13 months of rehabilitation.[33] In 13 starts before the injury he was 3-6 with a 4.00 ERA.[7]

Anderson returned August 21, 2012 for the Athletics, allowing one run in seven innings for a win against the Minnesota Twins.[33] However, he suffered an oblique strain during a start against the Detroit Tigers toward the 4th inning and was later pulled out, taking the loss.[34] He spent the remainder of the 2012 season on the disabled list with the injury,[35] and had a 4-2 record in six starts that season.[7] Despite his limited action during the regular season, the Athletics put him on the playoff roster for the 2012 American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers.[36] Anderson pitched six scoreless innings in a 2–0 victory in game three to keep the Athletics alive,[37] though they eventually lost the series in five games.[38]

On February 28, 2013, Anderson was named Opening Day starter for the A's for the 2013 season.[39] He went up against Mariners ace Felix Hernandez and came away with the loss.[40] He left his start on April 19 with what was called a sprained ankle[41] but was later determined to be a stress fracture in his right foot.[42] He originally hoped to return to the rotation in July, but the injury was more serious than previously thought and he was placed on the 60-day disabled list.[43] He was eventually activated from the disabled list on August 28, though the Athletics chose to use him out of the bullpen the rest of the season.[44] He appeared in 16 games that season, only five of which were starts and was 1-4 with a 6.04 ERA.[7] He also appeared in relief in game four of the 2013 American League Division Series against the Tigers, allowing the two winning runs to score on a walk, wild pitch and double.[45]

Colorado Rockies

On December 10, 2013, Anderson was traded to the Colorado Rockies for pitcher Drew Pomeranz and minor league pitcher Chris Jensen.[46] In just his third start of the season, on April 12, 2014, Anderson broke his index finder while batting, sending him to the disabled list.[47] He rejoined the Rockies rotation in July[48] and he pitched well for them for the next month.[49] However, on August 5, he had to leave his start early due to back spasms[50] He wound up undergoing season-ending back surgery to repair a herniated disc in his lower back.[51] He made only eight starts for the Rockies in the injury riddled season, with a 1–3 record and a 2.91 ERA.[52][53] After the season, the Rockies declined Anderson's $12 million option for 2015, making him a free agent.[54]

Los Angeles Dodgers

On December 31, 2014, Anderson was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers to a one-year, $10 million, contract.[55] He started a career high 31 games and a career high 180 1⁄3 innings. He was 10–9 with a 3.69 ERA.[56] He earned an extra $2.4 million in bonuses by reaching that innings mark.[57] After the season, Anderson accepted the Dodgers $15.8 million qualifying offer to remain with the club for the 2016 season.[58] On March 3, 2016, it was announced that Anderson required back surgery to repair a bulging disc in his back, and would miss 3–5 months. It was the same area that he had injured in 2014.[59] He finally rejoined the Dodgers on August 14 after a few minor league rehab starts.[60] In his first start of the season, he allowed two home runs and five runs in the first inning and was replaced by a relief pitcher.[61] He made three starts and one relief appearance for the Dodgers in September and was 1–2 with a 11.91 ERA, allowing 15 earned runs in 11 1⁄3 innings.[62]

Scouting report

Anderson throws four pitches for strikes: a fastball, a curve, a changeup and a slider. His fastball sits in the 89-92 mph range and he offers a two-seam variety in addition to the traditional four-seam version. His best pitch is the slider, a two-plane breaking ball he can paint on the corner versus right-handed batters and sweep away from lefties in the 79-81 mph range. His low-to-mid 70s curveball is a weapon in any count and his 82-84 mph changeup has shown the most improvement as Anderson has fought his way through injuries. Over the course of his career, Anderson's arm slot has lowered slightly, dropping from high three-quarters to true three-quarters. He's athletic and repeats his mechanics, aiding in his ability to command his entire arsenal.[63][64][65]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Longan, Jacob (July 28, 2006). "Pitcher weighing college or pro". orangepower.com. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  2. ^ Clark, Daniel (August 12, 2011). "The Connie Mack World Series vs. Area Code Games". goldensombrero.com. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  3. ^ Meyers, Matt (August 12, 2005). "Time For Some Action". Baseball America. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  4. ^ "West wins AFLAC game; Shepherd is MVP". milb.com. August 13, 2005. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  5. ^ Hoornstra, J.P. (January 21, 2015). "Brett Anderson played with Clayton Kershaw 'before he was Clayton Kershaw.'". LA Daily News. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  6. ^ "2006 Draft Best Tools". Baseball America. May 22, 2006. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  7. ^ a b c d e f "Brett Anderson Statistics & History". Baseball Reference.
  8. ^ Patterson, Matt (August 25, 2006). "Brett Anderson agrees to contract with Diamondbacks". NewsOK. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  9. ^ "Loons leave Hawks out in the cold, but some fans donÂ?t". SouthBendTribune.com. April 5, 2007. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  10. ^ "First-game flashback: The Loons hit the ground running in their '07 debut". greatlakesloons.com. March 28, 2014. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  11. ^ "2007 South Bend Silver Hawks Statistics". Baseball Reference. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  12. ^ Pritchett, Darin (June 5, 2007). "Four Silver Hawks named to all-star game". SouthBendTribune.com. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  13. ^ "Second Half Roster Shake-up". mlb.com. June 21, 2007. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  14. ^ Kelley, Mason (August 8, 2007). "Blaze game postponed after Visalia players hurt in car wreck". bakersfield.com. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  15. ^ a b "Brett Anderson Minor League Statistics & History". Baseball Reference. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  16. ^ Piecoro, Nick (August 7, 2007). "Byrnes' deal includes no-trade protection". Arizona Republic. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  17. ^ Oakland Athletics press release (December 14, 2007). "A's trade RHP Dan Haren to Arizona in eight-player deal". mlb.com. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  18. ^ Worthington, Mitch (July 10, 2008). "Brett Anderson returns to West Texas chasing his big league dream". Midland Reporter-Telegram. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  19. ^ Staff report (June 27, 2008). "Rockhounds rough up Arkansas". Midland Reporter-Telegram. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  20. ^ Associated Press (June 27, 2008). "Stillwater's Anderson chosen for Futures Game". NewsOK. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  21. ^ Hubbard, Sean (June 28, 2008). "Beijing opportunity for Anderson". Stillwater News Press. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  22. ^ Hickey, John (March 5, 2013). "Oakland A's pitcher Brett Anderson not pleased with Olympic decisions". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  23. ^ "Baseball America.com Stats:Brett Anderson". Baseball America. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  24. ^ Pratt, Kristin (February 24, 2009). "Ports Players Named to Top 100 Prospects". milb.com. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  25. ^ "A'S SET OPENING DAY ROSTER". scout.com. April 4, 2009. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  26. ^ "April 10, 2009, Seattle Mariners at Oakland Athleics play-by-play and box score". Baseball Reference. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  27. ^ "May 20, 2009, Oakland Athletics at Tampa Bay Rays play-by-play and box score". Baseball Reference. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  28. ^ "July 6, 2009, Oakland Athletics at Boston Red Sox play-by-play and box score". Baseball Reference. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  29. ^ Associated Press (July 6, 2009). "Garciaparra has two hits, RBI as A's shut out Red Sox". ESPN. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  30. ^ Urban, Mychael (September 24, 2009). "A's continue to play thorn in Rangers' side". mlb.com. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  31. ^ Associated Press (April 16, 2010). "Anderson, A's agree to new deal". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  32. ^ "2010 Brett Anderson Pitching Gamelogs". Baseball Reference. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  33. ^ a b Lee, Jane (August 22, 2012). "All about Anderson: Lefty impresses in return". MLB.com. Retrieved August 22, 2012.
  34. ^ Slusser, Susan (September 19, 2012). "A's starter Brett Anderson exits with oblique strain – updated". SFgate.com. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  35. ^ Brisbee, Grant (September 20, 2012). "Brett Anderson Done For Regular Season". SB Nation. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  36. ^ Sabedra, Darren (October 8, 2012). "Oakland A's call on Brett Anderson in Game 3 against Detroit Tigers". Inside Bay Area News. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  37. ^ Busfield, Steve (October 10, 2012). "Brett Anderson leads fightback as Athletics and Giants stay in playoffs". The Guardian. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  38. ^ "2012 AL Division Series:Detroit Tigers over Oakland Athletics". Baseball Reference. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  39. ^ Slusser, Susan (February 28, 2013). "Brett Anderson – no surprise – is Opening Day starter". SF Gate.com. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  40. ^ "April 1, 2013, Seattle Mariners at Oakland Athletics play-by-play and box score". Baseball Reference. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  41. ^ Associated Press (April 19, 2013). "A's Brett Anderson sprains ankle". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  42. ^ Otano, John (May 17, 2013). "Athletics pitcher Brett Anderson has stress fracture in right foot". SI.com. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  43. ^ Jarosh, Noah (June 15, 2013). "Brett Anderson injury: A's LHP expected to be out until at least August". SB Nation. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  44. ^ Hickey, John (August 28, 2013). "Oakland A's activate Brett Anderson from disabled list". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
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  46. ^ Harding, Thomas (December 10, 2013). "Rox acquire left-hander Anderson from A's". mlb.com. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  47. ^ Renck, Troy E. (April 13, 2014). "Brett Anderson, Rockies pitcher, out 4-6 weeks with broken finger". Denver Post. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
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  49. ^ Groke, Nick (July 25, 2014). "Brett Anderson dominant as the Rockies rout the Pirates at Coors Field". Denver Post. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  50. ^ Associated Press (August 5, 2014). "Brett Anderson (back spasms) exits". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  51. ^ Saunders, Patrick (August 12, 2014). "Rockies' Brett Anderson will undergo back surgery; injury history continues". Denver Post. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
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  53. ^ Tymkovich, Jay (November 12, 2014). "2014 Rockies season review: Brett Anderson is Mr. Glass". SB Nation. Retrieved June 19, 2014.
  54. ^ Associated Press (November 2, 2014). "Rockies decline Brett Anderson's $12M option". Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  55. ^ Weisman, Jon (December 31, 2014). "Dodgers officially sign Brett Anderson, designate Erisbel Arruebarrena for assignment". dodgers.com. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
  56. ^ "Brett Anderson 2015 Pitching Gamelogs". Baseball Reference. Retrieved October 4, 2015.
  57. ^ Rodgers, Joe (October 1, 2015). "Dodgers pitcher Brett Anderson's bonuses reach $2.4 million with 180th inning pitched". Sporting News. Retrieved October 4, 2015.
  58. ^ Stephen, Eric (November 13, 2015). "Brett Anderson accepts Dodgers qualifying offer; Zack Greinke, Howie Kendrick decline". SB Nation. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
  59. ^ Hoornstra, J.P. (March 3, 2016). "Brett Anderson to have surgery on bulging disk in lower back, will miss 3-5 months". Los Angeles Daily News. Retrieved March 3, 2016.
  60. ^ Stephen, Eric (August 14, 2016). "Dodgers recall Brock Stewart, place Josh Ravin & Brandon McCarthy on DL". SB Nation. Retrieved August 14, 2016.
  61. ^ Berry, Adam and Ken Gurnick (August 14, 2016). "Bucs take early lead, are relentless to rout LA". mlb.com. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  62. ^ "2016 Los Angeles Dodgers Batting, Pitching & Fielding Statistics". Baseball Reference. Retrieved October 15, 2016.
  63. ^ "Brett Anderson Pitch Repertoire At-A-Glance". Brooks Baseball. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  64. ^ "Diamond Cutter Scouting Report: Brett Anderson". Diamond Cutter. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  65. ^ "Brett Anderson Pitchfx". Fangraphs. Retrieved June 19, 2015.

External links

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