Boston Red Sox Top 10 Prospects: No. 5, 1B Lars Anderson

Drafted: 18th Round, 2006 (Carmichael, CA)

Height: 6′4″

Weight: 215 lbs

Born: September 25, 1987

Anderson was scheduled to attend college and play ball at U-Cal, Berkeley after starring for TEAM USA during the 2005 PanAm Championships and leading California high schoolers in home runs in 2006.

While he had the talent to be a first round or first round supplemental pick in the ‘06 draft, the commitment to Berkeley caused many teams to shy away.

Eventually, he fell all the way to the 18th round of the draft, where the Red Sox grabbed him. After scouting him all summer, the Sox were convinced of his talents.

Anderson entertained the idea of playing pro ball in lieu of college and the sides agreed on a signing bonus of $825,000.

A year ago, he was one of the best offensive prospects in baseball, but he took a giant step backward during the 2009 season. He slumped early in the year and started tinkering with his swing, eventually sending himself into a tailspin.

He never recovered.

His swing became mechanical and he became pull-conscious. He hit just .154 with one homer after the All-Star break.

Scouts expect he’ll rebound.

Prior to last year’s struggles, he had always demonstrated an advanced approach at the plate, with excellent strike-zone judgment and pitch-recognition skills.

He has quick, strong hands and wrists. He has tremendous leverage and loft in his swing. He will draw his share of walks and will not strike out very much in consideration of his power potential. He needs to start using the entire field again.