Brian Anderson

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked San Francisco Giants #26 prospect in 2008
  Anderson doesn't have eye-popping stuff, but he competes so well and has such terrific poise that he seems destined to make a contribution in the San Francisco bullpen, perhaps in the near future. A year after topping the minor leagues and setting a California League record with 37 saves, he reported to Double-A and recorded 29 saves to tie for the Eastern League lead. As a pro, he has 85 saves in just 128 appearances. Anderson commands a fastball in the upper 80s, can cut it to get in on lefthanders and paints corners, often recording three outs on 10 pitches or less. Because of his efficiency and his size, he's able to pitch on multiple days without any durability issues. He's not afraid of pitching to contact. Anderson also throws a slider, and he could use a changeup or splitter to better combat lefthanders, who hit .293 against him in 2007. The Giants sent Anderson to the Arizona Fall League after the season, and he didn't allow an earned run and walked just one batter in 12 innings. He's a good bet to open the season closing games in Triple-A, with a shot to move up whenever San Francisco needs him.
• 
  Ranked San Francisco Giants #19 prospect in 2007
  Anderson was the set-up man for Padres prospect Neil Jamison at Long Beach State, but there's no doubt be can handle the pressure that comes with pitching the ninth inning. The southern California native set a high Class A California League record and led the minor leagues with 37 saves last year. He's 56-for-59 in save chances in his pro career, and he saw a little more action under San Jose manager Lenn Sakata in Hawaii Winter Baseball. Sakata probably won't see Anderson again this year. A control artist, he throws an 86-88 mph fastball than hits 90 on occasion and cuts back across the plate, similar to that of Paul Quantrill. Anderson also commands a slider and seldom pitches from behind in the count. Giants coaches like his size and his ability to bounce back--an attribute he doesn't abuse because he often needs so few pitches to record three outs. Anderson had a career highlight when he appeared as the closer for the Cal League all-star team. His set-up man? None other than Jamison. Anderson will move up to Double-A this season and has a chance to contribute at the big league level in September.