THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 2, 1994 TAG: 9406020606
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY RICH RADFORD, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: 940602 LENGTH: CHESAPEAKE
Instead, he's a draft-day candidate, as in pro baseball's annual June amateur draft, and the hands Anderson shakes belong to the bevy of scouts who've come from near and far to watch him pitch.
{REST} It's a good thing he's lefthanded. His right arm is practically worn out.
Anderson, whose license plate reads ``A STHPAW,'' figures his good pitching arm will earn him an early telephone call from some major league team as the draft begins today.
``The scouts are saying maybe late first round, probably second round and at least by the third round,'' said Anderson, the Western Branch senior who has been astounding onlookers for the last three years. ``Whatever happens, I'll be expecting a call.''
In what is otherwise a lean year locally by last season's draft standards - Old Dominion University pitcher Wayne Gomes went to the Philadelphia Phillies with last year's fourth pick overall - Anderson is Hampton Roads' blue-chip commodity.
Through Wednesday night's Eastern Region semifinal game against Green Run, the 6-foot, 180-pound Anderson was 9-0 and had struck out 181 batters while walking just seven in 78 innings. He has an earned run average of 0.09.
Pinpoint accuracy, a fastball that wiggles like a bloodworm and a nasty curveball are Anderson's main weapons. And when that fastball comes in at better than 90 mph, it's easy to see why Anderson is practically unhittable in high school.
Making him more dangerous this season have been the scouts, who are on hand every time he pitches.
``I love it when they're there,'' Anderson said. ``Most of them have seen me pitch about 10 times. It puts some pressure on me, but I like pressure.
``If you can't play under pressure, then don't play the game.''
Anderson said those paying closest attention as draft day nears have been the Florida Marlins, New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves. That's OK by him.
``I'd love to go to a National League team,'' Anderson said. ``Then I could hit.''
In the American League, the California Angels have paid particular interest and a scout for the Toronto Blue Jays made a home visit to the Andersons.
Anderson said scouts indicate his most likely path through the summer months would include an opening stop in the New York-Penn League, an introductory Class-A league that is one notch above rookie league. If he produces there, then he might advance to Double-A before the end of the summer.
Once drafted, Anderson has bargaining chips which he can employ to increase his asking price - namely, scholarship offers from Division I schools.
``If (the pros) don't offer what we're looking for, then I have that option,'' said Anderson. ``Personally, I'd like to start playing pro ball rather than wait three years.''
Another more viable option would be to sign with North Florida Junior College, which has also tendered an offer. Junior college baseball players are eligible for the draft every year. Division I players must wait until after their junior season to re-enter the draft, unless they turn 21 at any point.
Anderson's father, Jim Sr., will act as his son's confidant in any negotiations.
``Which team picks him is a crapshoot,'' said Jim Anderson. ``Something in my heart tells me it will be someone we least expect. But we do know the Mets are interested and due to their poor performance last year and through trades they have the draft's first, 20th, 29th and 35th picks.''
What will it take to sign Anderson?
``It will take a six-digit number and they'll have to finance his college education,'' said Jim Anderson. ``But that's the most I'll say.''
\ by CNB