Even after making multiple moves last week rumors still swirled around Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Brett Anderson and those now can get put to rest as he’s been traded to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for Drew Pomeranz and Chris Jensen.
In 2007 the A’s acquired Anderson from the Arizona Diamondbacks and he made his Major League debut in 2009 at the age of 21. He finished the year 11-11 with a 4.06 era in 30 starts, struck out 150 while walking 45, threw 175.1 innings, one shutout and a whip of 1.283. Against the Boston Red Sox he showcased his potential as a future ace with an outstanding performance throwing a two-hit shutout with nine strikeouts and two walks. Unfortunately for Oakland and Anderson injuries curtailed his career.
Started just 19 games in 2010 due to a left forearm strain, 2011 made just 13 starts before needing Tommy John surgery, did comeback in 2012 before an oblique injury sidelined him he did return for the playoffs and in 2013 suffered a stress fracture in his right foot making only five starts though he did come out of the bullpen towards the end of the season and made 11 appearances. With his salary at $8 million for the 2014 season Billy Beane found a willing trade partner and included in the deal $2 million in cash as well.
Overall Anderson has a 26-29 record, a 3.81 era, has two complete games, one shutout, thrown 450.2 innings, struck out 357 while walking 120 and a whip of 1.283.
Pomeranz started his career in the Cleveland Indians organization before being acquired in 2011 by the Rockies. He has pitched in parts of three seasons with a record of 4-14, an era of 5.20, has thrown 136.2 innings, struck out 115 while walking 70 and has a whip of 1.544. According to Susan Slusser he’ll likely wind up starting the year off in Triple-A or there’s an outside chance of him in Oakland’s bullpen. Slusser also indicated that Jensen will start the season in Double-A. In three seasons in the minor league system of Colorado he has a record of 19-12 with an era of 4.22, thrown 334.2 innings, has struck out 259 while walking 99 and a whip of 1.300.
If Anderson can stay healthy the Rockies get the better end of the deal and as for the A’s the team adds to their minor league system while saving $6 million dollars.