Former Red Sox outfielder Brian Anderson gave the Kansas City Royals a surprise at the team’s spring training home in Surprise, Ariz., this week.
According to MLB.com, the center fielder plans to give pitching a try.
Royals manager Trey Hillman announced Anderson’s decision Thursday.
"Brian Anderson has elected to become a pitcher," Hillman told the Web site. "I'm not sure how that process is going to go, but it's got to start at the very bottom, so we're kind of mulling through that right now."
The move could benefit both Anderson and the Royals.
Anderson, a former-first round pick has posted below-average numbers as a major league hitter. In five major league seasons, Anderson has a career .227 batting average with 22 home runs and 80 RBIs in 355 career games.
The University of Arizona graduate was a relief pitcher in college, and according to Baseball America,threw the ball in the low 90s. A move back to the mound could be a smooth transition for the former reliever.
In addition, Kansas City has outfield depth, but lacks pitching.
The Royals have four experienced outfielders on the roster: Rick Ankiel, Jose Guillen, Scott Podsednik and Mitch Maier. However, Kansas City’s pitching staff ranked 26th in the major leagues last year, posting a 4.83 ERA. In fact, the numbers could have been worse without AL Cy Young winner Zack Greinke’s major league-best 2.16 ERA. Anderson won’t have a spot on the Royals’ roster as an outfielder, but if he learns to pitch, he could contribute as a pitcher.
Can an outfielder become a successful pitcher? White Sox minor league pitcher Sergio Santos has proven it can be done.
Santos was a first-round draft pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2002, and was an infielder until last year. After six unsuccessful minor league seasons, Santos tried pitching.
The converted pitcher has been rewarded for his efforts, and has earned a spot in the White Sox bullpen.
Royals fans will have to wait and see if Anderson can become the second position player in the AL Central to become a pitcher this season.
