Swingin' A's » A’s DL

A’s 2011 In Review: Brett Anderson

Joseph Lopez — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:18:43 +0000

Brett Anderson has long been considered one of Oakland’s brightest young pitchers, but injuries have limited the young lefty to just 32 starts over the past two years. This season was especially disappointing considering Anderson was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery this past July. He’s been making progress, but he’s not expected back in action until the second-half of the 2012 season at the earliest.

At 23, though, these type of arm/shoulder injuries are not an encouraging sight for a young pitcher. Anderson was sidelined twice during the 2010 season due to elbow inflammation, and his 2011 season was cut even shorter due to injuries.

He made 13 starts this year, going 3-6 with a 4.00 ERA over 83.1 innings. Luckily for the A’s, though, the team got extra help this year from Brandon McCarthy and Guillermo Moscoso to help ease the loss of Anderson. (more…)

A’s Bailey On The Road To Recovery?

Joseph Lopez — Thu, 05 May 2011 18:09:51 +0000

The A’s have missed having Andrew Bailey for the first month of the season, but Oakland’s young closer might be close to returning. According to Oakland’s official team site, Bailey threw 25 fastballs in his first live batting practice session.

Bailey, 26, threw to live hitters and always optimistic Bob Geren praised Bailey’s efforts. The A’s young closer has been sidelined after suffering a right forearm injury back in March, but he is seemingly making progress.

According to Jane Lee of MLB.com, Bailey has yet to throw many breaking balls off the mound, and that could be the next step for Bailey’s recovery. Furthermore, Bailey will probably have to go on a minor-league assignment before joining the A’s.

Oakland could expect to have Bailey back by June, which means the bullpen will continue to hand the ball over to Brian Fuentes in the ninth inning. The A’s acquired Fuentes along with Grant Balfour this past offseason, so Bailey’s absence has been a little easier to cope with.

A’s Preview: Brett Anderson

Joseph Lopez — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 18:39:42 +0000

How many wins will Brett Anderson get in 2011? (Photo Credit: The Recliner GM Blog)

The A’s feature some very young and talented arms in their starting rotation, and southpaw Brett Anderson is one of them.

Anderson, 23, is the future of the A’s rotation, so long as he manages to stay healthy. Last season, the lefty went 7-6 with a 2.80 ERA in just 19 starts. Two elbow injuries limited the southpaw to just 112 innings in 2010, but Oakland is confident that Anderson will enter camp fully healthy and ready to go.

Oakland awarded Anderson with a four-year extension in April last year, and the A’s are hoping that Anderson can continue to grow and develop as the staff’s ace.

Last year, fellow youngster Trevor Cahill assumed the role of ace for Oakland’s staff. Cahill went 18-8 with a 2.97 ERA last year, en route to a Cy Young-worthy season.

But it’s been long known that Oakland’s best young pitcher is Anderson. Anderson possesses it all. He’s got great control of all his pitches, and he’s capable of becoming a dominant pitcher in the league.

Health, however, has been the only thing setting Anderson back. (more…)