After falling quickly from grace and wondering if he would be better off in another organization, Brian Anderson has resurfaced in the White Sox’s plans.
The 2003 first-round draft pick and former starting center fielder is getting an extended look during the first week of the exhibition season with a chance to win at least a backup outfield position.
While Anderson’s lack of offense has remained an issue over the last two seasons with the Sox and at Triple-A Charlotte, his stellar defense may enable him to earn no worse than job as a center-field replacement.
Anderson, however, appears to have bigger ambitions.
“I don’t think I should be overlooked, but at the same time, they acquired some guys they’re going to look at,” Anderson said, referring to the off-season acquisitions of switch-hitter Nick Swisher and Anderson’s primary competition, Carlos Quentin.
“But if I play well for the team, it’s a start. I can only ask for an opportunity. That’s it.”
Anderson is off to a 3-for-9 start and will start Saturday in left field against Arizona and 2007 All-Star Game starter Dan Haren.
Anderson has a lot of ground to make up. After losing the 2006 center-field job, he failed to re-establish himself at Triple-A Charlotte last season after an April 29 demotion. A concussion and an injury to his left wrist ended his season with nearly two months left.
He drew parallels between his decline and that of the Sox since their World Series title.
“It’s obviously the trickle-down effect,” Anderson said Friday. “I played poorly, therefore, I’m an easy out for people to look at because I didn’t do well. And it probably wouldn’t be as noticeable if we had made the playoffs and I had been successful.
“Ultimately, that’s still the main goal. If I break with the team and am given an opportunity, I truly believe I’ll be successful.”
Despite the wishes of the Sox, Anderson didn’t play winter ball in Mexico. He spent virtually the entire winter in the San Diego area but took great measures to dispel myths that he was working more on his social life than recovering from his wrist injury.
“I don’t think I was any different than anybody else that was in their mid-20s and single, especially doing what I do for a profession,” Anderson said. “I still have fun with my friends, but my workout routine and baseball preparation came first. I definitely stayed away from anything that interfered with that.
“If I had a day off and wanted to go have fun, then I would do that. But the days I had to prepare, which was six to seven days a week, I was focused.”
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mgonzales@tribune.com
