posted August 28, 2008
) Photo by Tim Evearitt Josh Anderson had a 27-game hitting streak with Richmond (a record). |
One of those players, Josh Anderson, has been patiently waiting for this opportunity. While he had a brief opportunity to once again prove himself against Major Leaguers in June, the 26-year-old outfielder spent most of this season proving he's proved all that he can at the Triple-A level.
While hitting .314 with 42 stolen bases in 49 attempts for Richmond was good enough for Anderson to be named to the International League's postseason All-Star team, it didn't prove good enough to earn him an extended stay with the Braves at the Major League level.
Anderson was displaying his bright smile on Wednesday, when Kotsay's trade allowed him to return to the Majors. He'll likely spend the rest of the season sharing time in center field with Gregor Blanco.
Jordan Schafer, who will also compete for the starting center-field job next year, isn't expected to be promoted when the rosters expand next week. He's scheduled to play winter ball in Mexico.
Like Kotsay and Blanco, Anderson is a left-handed hitter with limited power. But while being successful with 80 percent (261-of-326) of his stolen-base attempts during his Minor League career, Anderson seemingly has an asset not possessed by Blanco, who had a 68 percent (182-of-268) success rate during his Minor League career.
After hitting .318 in 11 games with Atlanta earlier this season, Anderson returned to Richmond and spent some valuable time with hitting coach Chris Chambliss. Progress was seemingly realized by the fact that he hit .359 with 20 extra-base hits after July arrived.
In the process, Anderson produced a Richmond record 27-game hitting streak from July 25-Aug. 21. This was also this year's longest streak registered in the International League.
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Adapted from MLB.com
) Photo by Tim Evearitt Anderson is a definite threat on the base path. |
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