Craig Anderson Stats & Scouting Report

IP	1827
ERA	3.764
WHIP	1.292
BB/9	2.123
SO/9	6.039

Full name Craig Anthony Anderson
Born 10/30/1980 in Gosford, Australia
Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 185 / Bats: L / Throws: L
School Lisarow

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Anderson earned one of Australia's two victories at the 2000 Olympics and led the California League in strikeouts in 2001, but he leveled off last year despite being named a Texas League all-star. He allowed more than three earned runs in just six of his 27 starts, but his fastball settled into the low 80s and he didn't miss many bats. His usually exemplary command slipped a notch too, as he didn't go after hitters as much as he had in the past. Anderson still has the best changeup in the system, and his curveball also is a useful pitch. He helps himself by doing all the little things well, such as fielding (only one error in 2002) and holding runners (59 percent of basestealers were caught while he was on the mound, the second-best rate in the TL). His carefree delivery not only allows him to throw strikes but keeps him healthy, as he hasn't missed a start in four pro seasons. If all goes well, Anderson can become another Jamie Moyer. But he'll need to come up with a little more juice on his fastball to make that happen.
When Mariners vice president Roger Jongewaard and then-Pacific Rim coordinator Jim Colborn made a scouting trip to Australia in 1999, they spotted Anderson and Chris Snelling. Jongewaard liked Snelling, whom Colborn thought was undersized. Colborn preferred Anderson, whom Jongewaard didn't think threw hard enough. Colborn and Jongewaard cut a deal with each other to sign both players, who have had nothing but success in the minors. Anderson earned one of Australia's two victories at the 2000 Olympics. He still has his doubters because he still operates in the mid-80s with his fastball, though he may be starting to satisfy them after his 2001 performance. He turned in his third straight year with double-digit victories while leading the California League in innings and strikeouts. He ripped off 19 consecutive quality starts to finish the regular season. Anderson does it with a great changeup, a good curveball and exquisite command that managers rated as the best in the Cal League. His style earns him comparisons to crafty lefthanders Jimmy Key and Jamie Moyer. Anderson will have to keep proving himself each year but has the moxie to pull it off. He'll be tested in Double-A this season.

Minor League Top Prospects

Mariners officials have compared him to Jamie Moyer and John Halama, lefthanded finesse pitchers on the parent club. Despite being 20 and throwing in the mid-80s, Anderson won the Cal League ERA title and averaged nearly a strikeout per inning. He ended the season with 19 consecutive quality starts. Anderson's best pitch is his changeup, and he has impeccable control. Despite his lack of overpowering stuff, hitters don't get good swings off him. Righthanders batted just .207 against Anderson this year. "The bottom line is keeping people off balance," Coolbaugh said. "He's the type of guy who has to be on the top of his game all the time, and I wouldn't put it past him."