Yanks sign two pitchers to minor-league deals
November 27, 2010, 3:18 pm by Chris H. · 18 Comments
The Yankees have signed right-handed reliever Brian Anderson and left-handed reliever Andy Sisco to minor-league deals with invites to spring training, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal (props to MLBTR).
Originally an outfielder, Anderson, 28, was drafted by the White Sox in the 1st round — 15th overall — of the 2003 draft. After struggling in ChiTown, he was traded to the Red Sox for Mark Kotsay in 2009. He then signed with the Royals for the 2010 season but was converted to a pitcher after failing to break camp with the club. RAB reports that Anderson’s fastball can touch 97 mph and that he has a solid slider. He may need to work on his command, however.
Andy Sisco, 27, was drafted by the Cubs in the 2nd round of the 2001 draft. After a few productive seasons in the minors, Sisco was taken by the Kansas City Royals in the rule 5 draft in 2004. The 6’10” lefty had a strong 2005 season with KC — he put up a 3.79 FIP over 75 1/3 innings pitched with 76 strikeouts and 42 walks — but has struggled since then. Sisco had Tommy John surgery in 2008 and returned to the mound in 2010, posting a 3.44 FIP for the Giants’ AA team over 66 2/3 innings (he struck out 75, walked 36). Rosenthal reports that Sisco is healthy and has been hitting 95 mph in winter ball.
Given that both Anderson and Sisco have legitimate upside — Sisco, in particular, as a left-hander — these are low-risk signings that could potentially yield some rewards for the Yankee bullpen in 2011.
Photo by the AP
