Mound Talk

BACKGROUND AND STATS

Left handed pitcher Brett Anderson had hopes in 2006 of being the top prep pitcher selected in the June Draft. Concerns about signability dropped him to the second round as Anderson fell into the lap of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He signed late in the summer and was sent to instructional camp. 2007 was his first professional action as he was assigned to South Bend of the Low-A, Midwest League. He was promoted to High-A, Visalia in late June.

Anderson stands at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds. He was a vital member of Team USA Juniors in 2005 and had a successful high school career.

At South Bend, the 19 year old threw 81.1 innings striking out 85 batters and walking just 10. His RA9 was 2.88 and he allowed just 76 hits. Only three of these were home runs in the offense-surpressing league. He induced 59% of the batters he faced to ground out.

After his promotion to Visalia, Anderson began to struggle. He suffered a minor concussion as a result of a car accident and began to feel arm fatigue. His numbers reflected that. In 40 innings, Anderson allowed 50 hits and 11 walks in the offense-inducing league. His RA9 was 5.18. He did strike out 40 batters but he gave up six home runs.

ON THE MOUND

Anderson brings a solid repertoire every time he takes the mound. Everything he throws is down in the zone and that helps him induce plenty of groundballs.

His fastball is not overpowering by any means. It sits in the 89-92 range and has good tailing movement on it. It is particularly hard on left handed hitters. Batters that make contact usually pound it into the ground for a routine out.

His curveball is his best weapon and definitely a plus pitch. It’s a big, slow curve in the low 70s with hard break. He has plus control with this pitch and can successfully throw it anywhere at any time. He has a tendancy to throw it too much.

Anderson works a plus changeup into his arsenal as well. Working in the low 80s with good movement, his changeup and fastball look identical coming out of his hand.

Anderson will occassionally mix in a hard slider. It isn’t a great pitch and it lacks in command.

With an adequate fastball and plus curve and change, Anderson has a good set of pitches to work from. He changes speeds well and has plus command. He will throw any of his three main pitches for strikes.

Anderson has a very fluid delivery with solid mechanics. His motion is repeatable. He is a very polished pitcher at just 19 years old so his move to High-A was not unexpected.

On the mound, Anderson does have a couple question marks. He has been described as having a “soft body” which leads to questions in the future. He lacks athleticism and has trouble getting off the mound to field balls and getting to first to cover the bag.

THE FUTURE

Anderson is a very good prospect who induces a lot of ground balls and will strike batters out. He doesn’t walk many and doesn’t get hit hard because he keeps the ball down and locates his pitches well. His stuff isn’t great. His ceiling is a #2 starter but is more likely to be a #3. His polish should help move him through the system pretty quickly. Next year he’ll start in Double-A and could be given some time in Triple-A with success. He threw 121.1 innings this year and missed time with fatigue in August. The Diamondbacks will be cautious with him next season. Expect about 140 innings out of him, ideally next year.