| Anderson, selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the first overall pick of the 1997 Expansion Draft, is best known for his stellar pickoff move, which was considered one of the best in the majors during his days as a starter. He has gone through some ups and downs over his 13-year career, compiling an 82-83 record, 4.74 ERA and 723 strikeouts. The highlight of his career, though, came during 2001, when he played an important role in the Diamondbacks’ run to a World Series title.
Anderson, 35, is coming off consecutive elbow surgeries, however, and has not pitched in a big-league game since the beginning of 2005, when he made his last outing for the Kansas City Royals. Following Tommy John surgery after his season ended prematurely in ’05, he then re-injured his surgically-repaired elbow while rehabbing.
Headed into spring training, Anderson is not expected to be healthy enough to pitch right away. With the Rays still searching for a left-handed reliever to add to their bullpen, though, he has the potential to make an impact down the stretch, and at a relatively low cost, too—$475,000 salary. |
