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Phillies take a flier on Matt Anderson

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18 comments

Phillies take a flier on Matt Anderson

POSTED: Friday, January 14, 2011, 2:24 PM

Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer

How's this for a potential comeback story?

Matt Anderson, the former flamethrowing No. 1 draft pick, signed a minor-league deal with the Phillies on Friday. Anderson, 34, last pitched in the majors in 2005.

But when the righthander was drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1997 draft by the Detroit Tigers, Anderson was a ballyhooed prospect. He threw 100 m.p.h. As a 21-year-old in 1998, Anderson had a 3.27 ERA in 42 games.

Nine years ago, Anderson tore a muscle in his throwing arm and struggled to reach 90 m.p.h. on the radar gun after that.

Anderson's last major-league appearance was six seasons ago. His last appearance in professional baseball was 2008, at triple-A Charlotte. So, needless to say, this is a longshot.

18 comments

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Comments (18)

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 2:56 PM, 01/14/2011

Time to get a real job like the rest of us, Matty Ice.

— UncleEddie

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 3:08 PM, 01/14/2011

This is like . . . no shot / but what the heck . .

— ingy9

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 4:01 PM, 01/14/2011

I agree. Nobody expects him to see the big leagues but what's there to lose?

— dmeloche1

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 4:04 PM, 01/14/2011

This franchise is so charmed these days that I wouldn't be surprised if the guy ends up killing it in spring training.

— jpk

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 4:12 PM, 01/14/2011

Has he spent any time in Mexico with his best friend Stevie?

— LionelGrams

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 4:17 PM, 01/14/2011

Hehe...nice Eastbound & Down reference.

— The Pack Leader

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 4:22 PM, 01/14/2011

I like taking the chance on this long shot.

— amd804

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 4:22 PM, 01/14/2011

I like taking the chance on this long shot.

— amd804

1 like this / 0 don't • Posted 8:06 PM, 01/14/2011

People don't get it... the Phillies have minor league teams in Reading, Lehigh Valley, Lakewood, Clearwater, etc. that need BODIES to fill positions. Everyone they sign isn't slotted to be a big league player immediately. They need to field teams in those cities. So when Joe Smoe, a second baseman who last played in 2003, is signed, he's not coming to replace Utley but to play IN the minors.

— chescoguy

1 like this / 0 don't • Posted 7:28 AM, 01/15/2011

Actually, it's Joe "Schmoe"... Get your facts straight... LOL...

— Olney Falcon

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 9:08 PM, 01/14/2011

I think they are trying to see if an old washout can come back so they have something to go with when Jamie Moyer wants to come be the #5 in 2012

— Dan in Holmesburg

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 9:16 PM, 01/14/2011

He will be good to have in the minors as a mentor, almost like a player/coach for the future big league pitchers. Who knows, he may help us if heaven forbid that injuries hit us hard again, or in the Sept call-up.

— terrycindyian

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 11:27 PM, 01/14/2011

Barry Bonds needs a job.

— orange rhino

1 like this / 0 don't • Posted 12:14 AM, 01/15/2011

What a great feel good story it would be if he can come back and play at a competitive level. Not expecting much, but would love to see it go well for him.

— veritas1325

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 4:37 AM, 01/15/2011

Next they will dig up Grover Cleveland Alexander and try to reanimate his body.

— orange rhino

1 like this / 0 don't • Posted 7:26 AM, 01/15/2011

I like these kinds of stories... "What if?..." It could be a lot of fun to follow this story... And, what's the harm in it??? I'm pullin' for ya, Matty!!! Go for it!!!

— Olney Falcon