Lars Anderson

Lars Anderson (born September 25, 1987 in Fair Oaks, CA), was selected by the Boston Red Sox with the 553rd pick (18th Round) of the 2006 Amateur Draft, out of Jesuit High School in Fair Oaks, California. The Red Sox signed Anderson on August 8, 2006, to a signing bonus of $825,000.

Contents 1 Scouting Report 2 Amateur Career 2.1 Amateur Awards 3 Minor League Career 3.1 Minor League Awards 4 Trivia 5 External Links

Scouting Report

• Tall slugger with a great hitter's frame, excellent present power, and an elite power ceiling. Extremely smooth and fluid swing. Impeccable batting eye with very good patience at the plate, he actually could stand to be a little more aggressive. Hits especially well to the opposite field, but can also pull the ball on occasion. His swing is tailor-made for Fenway. Still strikes out too much, particularly against off-speed stuff from more advanced pitchers. Has shown a few streaks where he struggles at the plate for weeks at a time, occasionally looking overmatched. Athletic for his size, plays well defensively at first base. Digs throws in the dirt well. Makes some nice diving plays, but still can look awkward at times. Mediocre range. Not a stolen base threat, speed is below average. Takes instruction well and learns fast. Strong work ethic. Intelligent and confident. Likely would have been a supplemental first round pick in 2006 if not for high bonus demands. Spent significant time in left field in high school but has yet to play there professionally, could transition if needed. Anderson has struggled with various injuries throughout his career, partially contributing to his subpar showing in 2009. ~ SoxProspects.com

• He has a prototypical first baseman's profile, with long arms and a 6'5" frame. An above average defender, he earned a second spot on Baseball America's 2007 A-ball rating of defensive first basemen.

Amateur Career

• Anderson was drafted by the Red Sox in the 18th round of the 2006 Amateur Draft. Rated by Baseball America as the 41st best prospect for the 2006 Draft. In his senior year at Jesuit High School, he hit .451 with 14 homers, 11 doubles and 42 RBIs in 71 ABs his senior year. He also swiped 6 bases on the year.

• Anderson also played on the USA Junior National team in 2005, hitting .464 with 11 RBIs in 8 games.

Amateur Awards

• 2006 1st Team High School All-American (1B)

Minor League Career

• 2006: Lars was selected by Boston in the 18th round of the 2006 Amateur Draft, but due to his late signing that summer, he was not assigned to a minor league affiliate.

• 2007: Anderson started the 2007 season with the Single-A Greenville Drive, and had a strong year finishing with a line of 0.288/0.385/0.443/0.828 to go along with 10 home runs, and 68 RBIs in 458 at bats. Anderson did strike out 112 times, but also walked 71 times. Lars was promoted to High-A Lancaster on August 22nd, where he hit 0.343, with 1 home run, 9 RBIs and a 9/11 strikeout per walk ratio in 34 at bats.

• 2008: Lars started the 2008 season with the High-A Lancaster JetHawks, and had a strong year finishing with a line of 0.317/0.408/0.513/0.921 to go along with 13 home runs, 33 extra base hits, and 50 RBIs in 306 at bats. Anderson struck out 64 times, but also walked 46 times. Lars was promoted to Double-A Portland on July 15th, and played in 41 games for the Sea Dogs. Anderson really heated up while in Portland hitting 0.316/0.436/0.526/0.962, with 5 home runs, 30 RBIs and a 43/29 strikeout per walk ratio in 133 at bats. Lars capped off a successful season by being named the ‘2008 Red Sox Minor League Player of the Year.’

• 2009: Lars is slated to start the 2009 season playing 1B for the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs.

Minor League Awards

• Red Sox Minor League Top Quality Plate Appearances - May 2007
• Eastern League Player of the Week (August 11-17, 2008)
• 2008 Red Sox Minor League Player of the Year
• 2009 Eastern League All-Star

Trivia

• Rated the #1 prospect in the system by Baseball America, before the 2009 season.
• Rated the #3 prospect in the system by Baseball America, before the 2008 season.
• Rated as the 41st best prospect for the 2006 draft by Baseball America.
• Anderson fell in the draft to the 18th round as his commitment to the University of California at Berkeley and reported $1M contract demand scared off most teams. Signed with the Sox in August 2006 for $825,000.
• Visited with the Sox while they played Oakland, and took batting practice against David Wells on July 24, 2006.
• Lars played both baseball and basketball in high school.

External Links

• Lars Anderson - Minor League Information Courtesy of Sox Prospects

• TheBaseballCube.com - Career Statistics and Analysis
• Prospectus Q&A - Courtesy of Baseball Prospectus
• Lars Talks Baseball - Courtesy of Fire Brand