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.