Craig Anderson: Another nice pitching
prospect that you don't hear much about due to being part of a deep and
very talented pitching group in the Seattle Mariners organization. The M's
already have arms like Freddy Garcia and Gil Meche with others Ryan
Anderson hopeful to eventually become big-time contributors, so it's easy
to loose track of some others who would get more notice if they were in a
different organization.
An Australian native, both Anderson and
Chris Snelling were discovered by the Mariners while playing for the
Sydner Storm in the Australian Baseball League. Quite a find for one day's
work. Anderson began his U.S. career in the Norwest League and posted a
10-2 record with a 3.20 ERA, earning a league all-star spot. Both players
joined fellow Mariners prospects Rafael Soriano and Cha Baek as members of
Wisconsin in the Midwest League during 2000. While Snelling received most
of the notice on
the Timber Rattlers, Anderson was more than solid as
he posted an 11-8 record, 3.71 ERA, 157.2 innings pitched, 161 hits
allowed, 40 walks, and 131 strikeouts in 26 starts. He also was part of
the Olympics as he pitched for Australia. Currently, this 21-year-old,
6-foot-3, 182 pound lefty is pitching in the California League for
San Bernardino ( 0-2, 3.00 ERA, 4 GS 18 IP, 20 H, 1 BB, 19
SO).
Anderson is the opposite of the other Seattle prospect who
shares his last name, Ryan Anderson. While Ryan is a power pitcher, Craig
Anderson is all about finesse and a control pitcher. While Ryan Anderson
was always being compared to former Mariner Randy Johnson, probably the
best comparison for Craig Anderson would be that to Jamie Moyer.
Anderson's fastball only comes hits in the mid-80s so he will have to
continue to prove himself at each level he advances to. It will be
interested to see how he does once he starts facing more experienced
hitters. he will need to continue to show the great control he possesses
in order to win at higher levels.