Hawaii Player Journal: Brian Anderson

Anderson jumped to the Class A Advanced California League in 2006 and was named the league's Pitcher of the Year after leading the Minor Leagues with 37 saves, posting a 1.86 ERA and striking out 85 (against 17 walks) in 67 2/3 IP. The California League hit just .183 against the right-hander. Following the season, the Giants sent Anderson to the newly reformed Hawaii Winter League. Playing for the Waikiki BeachBoys, Anderson has agreed to write about his experiences in a journal for MiLB.com.

Send Brian an email

My name is Brian Anderson, and I am writing to everyone from beautiful Hawaii. That's right -- Hawaii. I have the tough job of playing "winter ball" for the San Francisco Giants here in Honolulu.

Needless to say, when the organization invited me to participate in the Hawaii Winter League, I jumped at the opportunity. I was fortunate to have a good year in the California League this year and wanted to continue my development in Hawaii.

My first full season brought many challenges and learning experiences, and I can't wait to get home and begin my preparation for 2007. Home for me is Aliso Viejo, Calif. -- that's in Orange County -- and I absolutely love it! Having grown up and attended college in California, I can honestly say I've got it in my blood at this point.

So far, Honolulu has been awesome. We are playing on a team made up of players from the Mariners, Rockies, Nationals, Marlins and Giants. We also have several players who have come to Hawaii from teams in Japan. Games have just started, and I am looking forward to seeing the level of competition out here. Our team looks solid and hopefully we can do well out here.

I'd love to answer some of your questions, so be sure to email me, and I look forward to keeping everyone updated on how were are doing out here in "winter ball."

I'll talk to everyone next week. Aloha!