It just didn't feel right watching Garret Anderson play so far from home last season, the nearly lifelong Californian toiling away all the way over in Atlanta. The veteran outfielder returned to more familiar pastures Wednesday, reportedly signing a minor league deal with the Dodgers. Between the timing of the deal and the nature of the contract, there obviously are no guarantees for the 37-year-old. But at the very least he'll give the Dodgers an experienced if fading bit of insurance as Cactus League play gets cranked up.
Aside from last season, in which he hit .268 and contributed 13 homers and 61 RBI to the Braves, Anderson had spent his career entirely with the Angels. He'd been with them so long he played as a California, Anaheim and Los Angeles of Anaheim Angel.
Along the way, Anderson was selected to three All-Star Games and managed a fourth-place finish in AL MVP voting in 2002, when he pounded out 56 doubles and 29 homers while driving in 123 runs. He was a key force on the Angels' championship team that year, but didn't do much in four subsequent postseasons.
Might Anderson get another crack at October with the Dodgers? We'll see what he can make of this chance.




