The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired first baseman prospect Lars Anderson, shortstop Didi Gregorius and left-hander Tony Sipp in a three-way trade with the Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday, via MLB.com.
In exchange, Arizona traded right-handed pitchers Trevor Bauer, Matt Albers and Bryan Shaw.
Time to dissect who the Diamondbacks received. Here are three things you need to know about Lars Anderson.
2012 Stats
Anderson hit a combined .250 with nine home runs, 27 doubles and 59 RBI with Triple-A Pawtucket (Boston Red Sox) and Triple-A Columbus (Cleveland Indians) in 2012.
He went 1-for-8 in six games with the Red Sox.
Scouting Report
First of all, Anderson is a left-handed hitter. He has a smooth swing with good gap power and can hit the ball to the opposite field. He also has a good feel for the strike zone.
Anderson generally has trouble with breaking balls and inside fastballs, and has below-average speed, according to SoxProspects.com.
He’s improved defensively, but still needs work in that area, making him more of an offensive player rather than a complete one.
His trouble making contact at the next level is evident. He went 7-for-35 in his first big league action with the Red Sox in 2010.
In 2011, he went hitless in five at-bats.
Background
The 25-year-old from Oakland was widely considered to be an early-round prospect in the 2006 MLB draft, but dropped to the 18th round due to issues signing him.
He eventually agreed to a $825,000 bonus with the Red Sox, equal to the money a supplemental-round draft pick would receive.
Anderson was a star at Jesuit High School and had committed to Cal before deciding to enter the pro ranks.
Fun fact: Anderson replaced Mike Lowell in the former first baseman’s last major league game on Oct. 2, 2010.
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