Uncertain of whether A.J. Pierzynski will end up resigning with the Chicago White Sox, the team took a step towards adding some depth behind the plate to the organization by agreeing to a minor league deal with Bryan Anderson. Anderson could spend most of the season at Triple-A but could also compete for playing time as a backup to Tyler Flowers should Pierzynski leave via free agency this winter.
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Anderson was once viewed as the likely “catcher of the future” for the St. Louis Cardinals early on in his minor league career, even ranking at #85 on Baseball America’s Top 100 list prior to the 2008 season. He’d followup the ranking by hitting .308/.377/.416 that season, splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A. He never was much of a power presence, but was able to get on base steadily and provided solid defense behind the plate. By the time he was MLB-ready the Cardinals didn’t really have room for him, not with Yadier Molina on the roster and healthy. Molina has developed into one of the best catchers in baseball over the past few years, leaving few opportunities for Anderson (or anyone else) to win significant playing time. Anderson has hit .260/.334/.387 in 1,581 plate appearances over the past five seasons at Triple-A.
The former 2005 4th Round pick has appeared in just 25 games for the Cardinals, in two separate stints between 2010 and last season. He’s hit .273/.327/.341 over 49 plate appearances. At just 25 (he’ll turn 26 in December) there’s still time for Anderson to develop into something further, provided he’s able to earn an opportunity.