Josh Anderson Career Tracker

Josh Anderson

Joshua Aaron Anderson (born August 10, 1982 in Somerset, Kentucky) is an American Major League Baseball outfielder for the Detroit Tigers. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed. He played college baseball at Eastern Kentucky University and was drafted in the 4th round of the 2003 Major League Baseball Draft by the Houston Astros.

In 2004 he led the minor leagues in stolen bases, with 79.[1]

After playing much of the 2007 with the Triple-A Round Rock Express, Anderson made his Major League Baseball debut on September 2, 2007.

On November 16, 2007, he was traded from the Houston Astros to the Atlanta Braves for reliever Oscar Villarreal. He had a short stint with the Braves in 2008 from May 30-June 10 before returning to the minors. He was recalled to the Braves on August 27, 2008, after the Braves traded starting center fielder Mark Kotsay to the Boston Red Sox.

On March 30, 2009, Anderson was traded to the Detroit Tigers for minor league pitcher Rudy Darrow.[1]

Anderson, like Brent Clevlen, is out of options. So the Tigers will have to keep him on the 25-man roster or he'll have to clear waivers to be sent down.

C Matt Treaner
SS Ramon Santiago
OF/1B Marcus Thames
OF Brent Clevlen
OF Josh Anderson
3B/2B/OF Ryan Raburn
1B/3B Jeff Larish

The Tigers will have to trim down to 9 pitchers in order to keep all of those bench players. Raburn and Larish still have options, so they are the odd ones out. That leaves 11 pitchers, but the Tigers usually keep 12. So who goes? Leyland also said that Timo Perez had a likely shot to make the team, but that is all but gone with this trade.

03/30/09 4:14 PM ET
Tigers acquire Anderson from Braves
Detroit sends pitching prospect to Atlanta for speedy outfielder

By Jason Beck / MLB.com

VIERA, Fla. -- The Tigers have spent Spring Training trying to make sure they have a left-handed bat on the bench and someone who can back up in center field. Manager Jim Leyland has never made a secret of his desire to improve his team's performance on the basepaths.

By adding outfielder Josh Anderson from the Braves, they've accomplished all of those. The Tigers swung the deal Monday, sending reliever Rudy Darrow to Atlanta in return.

Anderson was in competition for the center-field job with the Braves, but immediately hit the trading block when he apparently lost out to Jordan Schafer. He'll be an extra outfielder in Detroit, where the starting trio of Curtis Granderson, Carlos Guillen and Magglio Ordonez is set.

The 26-year-old Anderson played 40 games with the Braves last year, batting .294 with seven doubles, three home runs, 12 RBIs and 10 stolen bases. His Minor League numbers give a better glimpse of his speed, he swiped 42 bases in 49 attempts over 121 games at Triple-A Richmond last year and boasts 280 stolen bases in his six-year Minor League career.

"He gives us a dimension that we really don't have, which is speed," Tigers president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said. "We like a lot of our outfielders right now, but we think he's a good fit for us."

That fit will squeeze out many of the outfielders who spent Spring Training fighting for a role. Brent Clevlen, Clete Thomas, Ryan Raburn and non-roster invitee Timo Perez were in competition for a spot on Detroit's bench, along with corner infielder and outfielder Jeff Larish. Of that group, Clevlen and Perez are the only ones out of Minor League options. The Tigers could conceivably lose Clevlen to a waiver claim.

What this means for another Tigers reserve outfielder, Marcus Thames, remains to be seen. Dombrowski indicated that this move doesn't yet seal Detroit's positional roster, though Anderson will definitely open the season on the team. Dombrowski deemed the chances of a follow-up trade sending out a Tigers outfielder as "possible, not likely."

By filling multiple needs with one player, Detroit actually added some needed flexibility.

The right-handed Darrow opened Spring Training with the Tigers as a non-roster invitee before being sent to Minor League camp on March 11. The 25-year-old sidearmer split last year between Class A West Michigan and Double-A Erie, but wasn't a key cog amid the newfound relief depth in the Tigers' farm system.

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Let's hope this trade with the Braves works out for the Tigers

The Braves' fans think that the tigers were scalped again. I am not so sure. We really need players who have the speed to steal bases and cover that hugh CF we have at COPA, and Josh sure can do that as a fill in for any of our OF spots, or as a pinch runner. Darrow was not needed as much considering the pitchers in our pipeline. Also, our bullpen is not as bad off as it seems. Rincon has had a wonderful ST, as has Bonine, Seay, Rapada and Perry. Miner can go either way, starter or Pen. Also Nate is pitching better. Zoom and Bondo should not be far behind in joining the team.

We know Thames has been on the trading block... and Timo is fine as a batter, but sucks in RF.

Monday, March 30, 2009
Tigers trade for outfielder Anderson
Tom Gage / The Detroit News

VIERA, Fla. -- The Tigers have a new outfielder, one who definitely will make the team.

While downing the Washington Nationals, 3-2, Monday, they acquired 26-year-old speedster Josh Anderson from Atlanta for bullpen prospect Rudy Darrow, a side-arming right-hander.

Anderson, a left-handed hitter who stole 280 bases in six minor league seasons, including 82 the last two years at the Triple-A level, can play all outfield positions.

"With his speed," Tigers president and general manager Dave Dombrowski said, "he gives us a dimension we didn't have."

Anderson won't displace any of the starting outfielders, but his speed and versatility will come in handy on the bench. Of the other outfield candidates still in camp, those who were hoping to win a spot on the team as the 25th player, Dombrowski said, "They'll be going to Toledo."

Darrow was 4-2 with a 1.85 ERA at West Michigan.

Anderson spent parts of the last two seasons in the majors: 2007 with Houston, which drafted him in the fourth round in 2003; and last year with Atlanta.

In 136 at-bats for the Braves last year, Anderson hit .294 and stole 10 bases.

As for the game against the Nationals, Armando Galarraga pitched five strong innings, striking out nine. The runs off him came on a two-run home run in the first by Ryan Zimmerman.

"My shoulder felt weak, not sore, when I came back from the World Baseball Classic," Galarraga said. "But it feels strong now."

Ryan Raburn and Clete Thomas countered with home runs in the third, Raburn with the bases empty, Thomas with a runner on base.

The Tigers also got four innings of scoreless relief from the bullpen -- Brandon Lyon, Fernando Rodney, Juan Rincon and Ryan Perry working an inning.

We have some speeeeeeeed now!

Welcome Josh!

Steal those bases!

My guess is DD is trying to trade Thames (or Sheff?) now to make room for Larish.

My guess is that Anderson is going to start in LF and Guillen will be moving to DH. The Sheffield release will allow the Tigers to keep one of Raburn/Clevlen.

GoGetEmTigers wrote:

The Braves' fans think that the tigers were scalped again. I am not so sure. We really need players who have the speed to steal bases and cover that hugh CF we have at COPA, and Josh sure can do that as a fill in for any of our OF spots, or as a pinch runner. Darrow was not needed as much considering the pitchers in our pipeline. Also, our bullpen is not as bad off as it seems. Rincon has had a wonderful ST, as has Bonine, Seay, Rapada and Perry. Miner can go either way, starter or Pen. Also Nate is pitching better. Zoom and Bondo should not be far behind in joining the team.

We know Thames has been on the trading block... and Timo is fine as a batter, but sucks in RF.

As much as Jimbo wants to rotate people around in DH, I think there is something that makes alot more sense.

What if we put this Josh kid in left, Grandy in Center, and then Maggs in right, while Los is the DH and plays LF if Josh needs a breather. Then more people could rotate in the DH spot and we would have a base stealing threat on the field at the same time. I mean dang, the kid stole 79 bases in one season. Thats wasted talent if we leave him on the bench and just use him as a pinch runner or a back up only every once in a while.

It sounds like we will see a shakeup in the OF... possible Josh in LF or RF and maybe Maggs will move to LF, like he played in the WBC. You need a fast runner in RF and Maggs is getting slower and does not have that rifle arm needed in RF. Carlos has had no problem in LF. So I don't think Josh will rot on the bench.

I would hope not! Would hate to see that talent go to waste. This kid has some major speed which would be crucial in getting him to scoring position when he gets on base.

Right now, I would rather see Josh play RF and Maggs DH. Then you have speed in the outfield, but still have Maggs bat. Carlos is still faster than Maggs.

GoGetEmTigers wrote:

Right now, I would rather see Josh play RF and Maggs DH. Then you have speed in the outfield, but still have Maggs bat. Carlos is still faster than Maggs.

Maggs is still the better fielder though. I'm very skeptical of Guillen's defense. They would rather put a rightfielder in LF over Guillen in the WBC.

Maggs is a Golden Glover compared to Carlos.

as long as we can have Anderson, Maggs, and Los play, I think we'll be set.

From Beck's twitter account today -

beckjason - Guillen activated from dl, Anderson designated.

Royals acquire Anderson from Tigers
Speedy outfielder originally a top prospect with Braves

BALTIMORE -- The Royals obtained outfielder Josh Anderson from the Detroit Tigers on Thursday in exchange for cash considerations.

Anderson, acquired by the Tigers from the Atlanta Braves at the end of Spring Training, hit .242 in 74 games.

Primarily a center fielder, Anderson has good speed and swiped 13 bases in 15 attempts for the Tigers. A left-handed batter, he also had four triples, four doubles and 16 RBIs.

In 135 Major League games for Houston, Atlanta and Detroit, Anderson batted .283 with three homers, 39 RBIs and 24 stolen bases.

Anderson, 26, was a fourth-round Draft choice of the Astros in 2003 and was traded to the Braves in 2007 for pitcher Oscar Villarreal. Anderson was the Player of the Year for Triple-A Richmond in 2008 with a .314 average, 25 doubles and 42 stolen bases.

He was designated for assignment by the Tigers on July 24.

The Royals were not certain when Anderson will report because his wife is expecting a child.

Reds sign Anderson to Minors deal
Lefty hitter will get non-roster invitation to Spring Training

By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

01/05/10 5:17 PM ET

CINCINNATI -- The Reds signed outfielder Josh Anderson to a Minor League contract on Tuesday. The deal comes with an invitation to Spring Training as a non-roster player.

"I'm looking forward to getting started with them," said Anderson, a native of Somerset, Ky. "I'm extremely happy about it. I grew up a Reds fan. I was about three hours from their stadium. I look forward to helping out any way I can."

In 118 games for the Tigers and Royals last season, the 27-year-old Anderson hit .240 with one home run, 24 RBIs and 25 steals in 30 attempts. A left-handed hitter, he had a .276 on-base percentage (OBP) and .304 slugging percentage.

Over three seasons and 179 games with the Astros, Braves, Tigers and Royals, Anderson is a .272 hitter with a .313 OBP. He batted .283 vs. right-handed pitchers and .231 against lefties.

The Reds currently have a vacancy in left field and also have open spots on their bench. Among the outfielders that will be competing for spots are Drew Stubbs, Chris Dickerson, Willy Taveras, and Laynce Nix, who was re-signed last month to a Minor League deal.

Anderson started 2009 in camp with the Braves and was traded to Detroit near the end of spring. He was dealt to Kansas City on July 30.

"It's been a whirlwind," Anderson said. "I've been fortunate to have a little time up there [in the Majors]. I'm trying to get an opportunity to stay and get a chance to play."

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Anderson looking to stick with Reds
Outfielder vying for job with fourth club in past 12 months

By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

03/11/10 7:40 PM ET

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- A player that joins a new team often receives a new equipment bag upon arrival. And outfielder Josh Anderson has accumulated a lot of bags in a short amount of time.

In one calendar year, the 27-year-old Anderson has been with four organizations.

The first five seasons of his career were in the Astros organization, including a big league callup to Houston in 2007. Anderson spent '08 and Spring Training last year with the Braves organization. At the end of camp, he was traded to the Tigers and was dealt again in July to the Royals.

He signed a Minor League contract with the Reds that came with an invite to big league camp on Jan. 5.

"I just want that opportunity," Anderson said. "That's all that any player wants. I've been dealt with little opportunities in my career, and I've been in the big leagues for almost 500 at-bats. I feel that I've shown I can play at this level. There's no doubt. It's just finding a place that you can use your service. That's what I plan on doing -- and winning a spot to help this team any way I can."

A resident of Eubank, Ky., where his friends and family are Reds fans, Anderson is hoping he's found a home with the team closest to his stomping ground. Eubank is about 150 miles from Cincinnati.

"A lot of people would show up for sure," Anderson said.

It's almost assured that Anderson has an offseason program like few others in the game. Sure, there is the requisite running and lifting and some hitting in the mornings -- but this particular player also spends many hours ranching and feeding cattle.

Anderson, his father, Allen, and brother, Jon, own Twin Oaks Farm and manage about 400 acres.

"Every winter, I go home and work on the farm. I am basically a workhand when I get home," Anderson said. "I stay as busy in the winter as I do during the season. I go out and start feeding cattle in the afternoon and get in late at night. With me, my brother and my dad, it's a lot of work. We have 100 head of cattle and a lot of land. It takes a lot of time and work to keep things looking good."

When winter is over, Anderson worries less about cows and a lot more about hitting the cowhide with red stitches.

In 118 games last season with Detroit and Kansas City, the lefty-hitting Anderson batted .240 with one home run and 24 RBIs. He had a .276 on-base percentage and .304 slugging percentage.

Over 179 big league games Anderson is a .272 hitter with a .313 OBP, 26 walks and 82 strikeouts. He bats .283 vs. right-handed pitchers and .231 against lefties.

Through four spring games, Anderson is 0-for-6. During Thursday's 3-1 victory, he was 0-for-1 and was called out on strikes in the seventh inning.

"He has some skill," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "He can run. He can throw. He's a good outfielder. He's a line-drive hitter. There's still a lot there that hasn't been brought out yet, I think."

Anderson's best tool is his speed, and he used it well last season with 25 steals in 30 attempts. He showed some of it during a recent "B" game vs. the Brewers, stealing two bases. He was also caught one time.

"That's the main tool and the tool that got me to this level," Anderson said. "I have speed on the bases. I can play all three outfield positions, which helps. I think I can hit, too. It's a matter of getting a chance."

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.