Anderson missed most of 2012 after recovering from Tommy John surgery, posting a 4-2 record in six starts for Oakland down the stretch. Anderson was in the rotation to start the postseason, earning a win in a six inning scoreless performance against Detroit in the American League Divisional Series.
You could argue that Anderson is the leader of the young Oakland pitching staff that has opponents nervous when they are visiting the Bay Area. Injuries have long been part of the story of Brett Anderson however, as he has only been able to start 38 games in the last three seasons. However, with a career 3.57 ERA and 311 career strikeouts as opposed to only 99 walks, Anderson could be dangerous if he is able to stay healthy. For Oakland to remain atop a division that features two championship contenders (Texas and Los Angeles), the Athletics will need Anderson to step up as the ace of the pitching staff.
Later Thursday afternoon, Anderson took the field to make his first start, pitching two scoreless innings against the Cubs, while striking out one batter. Watch out for Anderson in 2013, a healthy season could equal a 16 win season, if not more.
Scores from Thursday:
L.A. Dodgers 10, L.A. Angels 8
Arizona 6, Cincinnati (SS) 5
Milwaukee 4, Chicago White Sox 3
Kansas City 5, San Diego 4
Chicago Cubs 5, Oakland 3
Seattle 4, San Francisco 3
Colorado 4, Cincinnati (SS) 3
Notes from Thursday:
Clayton Kershaw found his way into the win column on Thursday, despite giving up six hits and three runs in just three innings of work against the Angels. Kershaw gave up a lot of hits, but in typical feast or famine fashion, Kershaw also struck out seven hitters. Kershaw now has a 1-1 record and a 7.20 ERA in two starts and five innings pitched. Ted Lilly also saw action for the Dodgers as he attempts to remain in a talented Dodgers rotation. Lilly pitched two innings, giving up a solo home run that was the only hit he allowed. Lilly also struck out one hitter and did not register a walk. Arizona capitalized on big days from Willie Bloomquist and Gerardo Parra, two guys trying to earn playing time for the Diamondbacks. Bloomquist went 3-3 at the plate, while Parra was 2-3 with three RBI. Ian Kennedy gave up a run and two hits in his first start of the spring for Arizona against a split squad Cincinnati team. None of the Brewers big league starters could get anything going on Thursday, but two younger players, Khristopher Davis and Josh Prince, provided all the offense the team would need. Both players went 1-3 at the plate with a home run each and two RBI each. James Shields made his Kansas City debut, pitching a perfect inning against San Diego. The Padres had to be pleased with starter Jason Marquis, as he pitched two scoreless innings against a Kansas City team that has been raking this spring. Their closer, however, did not have a great night, as Huston Street gave up five hits and two runs in his one inning of work. Bartolo Colon made his first appearance for Oakland since his suspension to end his 2012 season prematurely. He was not very efficient, giving up five hits and three runs in two innings of work, while striking out four. Scott Feldman, in his Chicago Cubs debut pitched two innings, giving up two hits and a run while issuing two free passes and striking out two Athletics. Matt Cain's struggles continued for the Giants, as he lost his second consecutive spring start, giving up four hits and three runs in three innings. Cain did register two strikeouts, but appears to be struggling mightily so far in Spring Training. And finally, the Aroldis Chapman experiment in Cincinnati got off to a strong start on Thursday. Chapman did not allow a hit in his two innings of work, and striking out one Colorado hitter.
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