Anderson was touted as a Rookie of the Year candidate before the 1999 season began, but his .292 on-base percentage (the lowest of any regular second baseman in the National League) and shoddy defensive play in spring training the following year forced the Phillies to rethink their plans at second base. He played just 41 games for the club in 2000, spending most of the season languishing in the minors until Mickey Morandini was traded to Toronto in early August.
