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Future Relief For the Giants?
by Laurence Miedema, San Jose Mercury News
August 3, 2006
Fifty miles down the road from Armando Benitez, there's a relief pitcher
who slams the door shut on games.
San Jose Giants reliever Brian Anderson is 31 for 31 in save opportunities
this season. He's 50 for 51 since since turning pro last
summer.
But hold those fantasies, Giants fans. The right-hander's fastball barely
hits 90 mph, which probably means a setup role is in his
future.
``The best closer is a power guy, a strikeout guy,'' said San Jose Manager
Lenn Sakata. ``Time will tell. If he can throw a little
harder, he can be a closer. But he'll definitely get you three outs.''Relying
primarily on his slider, change-up and impeccable control,
Anderson, 23, has done nothing but get batters out -- and rack up saves
-- since he was selected in the 14th round of the 2005 draft.
In 71 appearances as a pro, Anderson has a 1.45 ERA and opponents are
hitting .168 against him. Anderson has racked up 106 strikeouts in 80
2/3 innings, with just 16 walks.
Not bad for a guy who was a setup reliever at Long Beach State and never
saved a game in college.
``Usually all closers are flamethrowers. I never really thought I'd become
a closer in pro ball,'' Anderson said. ``I thought I was going
to be somewhere along the lines of long relief or setup.''
But Anderson was named the closer at short-season Salem-Keizer last summer
and responded by leading the Northwest League with 19 saves.
Anderson has been even better this season. He has a 1.19 ERA and has not
allowed a run in 38 of his 44 appearances. Tuesday, he tied the San Jose
Giants' single-season franchise record for saves with No. 31 -- and there
are five weeks remaining in the regular season.
The save streak is believed to be one of the longest in minor league history.
Anderson has converted 41 save opportunities in a row since his lone blemish
July 28, 2005.
``It's pretty much like an eight-inning game,'' San Jose outfielder John
Bowker said.
Anderson's closest call this season came in late May at Stockton. He inherited
a three-run lead and promptly gave up two runs before facing a one-out,
bases-loaded situation. Anderson escaped the jam by inducing a game-ending
double play.
``There's not even a doubt because he goes out every day and it's the
same,'' Sakata said. ``This guy, even if it doesn't start out well,
finds a way to get it done.''
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