Anderson Thrives on National Stage

When it comes to Garret Anderson, Angel Manager Mike Scioscia no longer will be burdened with the customary “Who is this guy? Where did he come from?” questions that had accompanied off-season conversations with fans about the left fielder.

Anderson cemented his name in the minds of fans from Seattle to Miami this week with his performances before, during and after the All-Star game.

On Monday, Anderson won the home run derby and became the first player this season to be selected American League player of the week for a second time.

On Tuesday, he was chosen most valuable player of the All-Star game after hitting a two-run homer and finishing three for four.

On Wednesday, he spoke on ESPN when the Angels received the ESPY award for Best Team.

The highlight for Anderson?

“Just being there and talking to the guys,” said Anderson, hitting .316 with 22 home runs and 79 runs batted in after going one for three Thursday against the Baltimore Orioles. “That’s the most fun.”

Scioscia said Anderson will have to get used to the spotlight.

“I know Garret’s not totally comfortable with that, but whether he likes it or not, it’s here,” Scioscia said. “He will get more notoriety. Garret needs to be himself.”

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David Eckstein returned to the starting lineup Thursday and hit ninth in the batting order after missing six games with a bruised shoulder and a strained neck and back. The shortstop also sat out a handful of games this season with a bruised left hand but said the spate of injuries doesn’t explain his career-worst offensive numbers.

“It’s still me going up to bat,” said Eckstein, hitting .235 with three homers and 21 RBIs. “If I’m playing, no matter what the situation is, I should be fine.”

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One of Brendan Donnelly’s favorite moments from his first All-Star game -- meeting Roger Clemens -- illustrated how far the Angel reliever has come in one season.

The closest Donnelly had come to meeting the New York Yankee pitcher previously was last season in New York during the American League division series.

“I was in the weight room,” Donnelly said, “he was coming into the weight room to work out and they kicked me out.”

Given the chance to converse with Clemens as a fellow All-Star, Donnelly said he told Clemens how much he admired his work ethic and accomplishments. Donnelly was in the minors for 10 seasons before joining the Angels last season and leading the major leagues this season with a 0.38 earned-run average.