Anderson could stay

Associated Press

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Brian Anderson, who has heard his name linked to trade rumors since spring training started, said Monday he believes he will open the season in the Kansas City Royals' rotation.

''There's nothing going on. I ain't going nowhere,'' said Anderson, who has been traded twice in his 10-year career. ''How long are you going to wait if you're another team? Through the weekend, then just get a guy and throw him the first week? Nah.''

The season opens April 4 at Detroit -- and while Anderson believes he'll be with the Royals then, he doesn't discount the possibility of a trade later in the year.

Anderson will make $3.25 million in 2005, the third-highest salary behind first baseman Mike Sweeney and outfielder Terrence Long.

The Royals are cutting payroll this year and going to a youth movement, so Anderson, a 32-year-old left-hander with an 81-81 record in the majors, knows he does not fit into the Royals' long-term plans.

Anderson won 14 games in 2003 and was the Royals' opening day starter last year, but was 1-8 with a 7.23 earned run average at the All-Star break. He rebounded to go 5-4 with a 4.17 ERA after the break.

Anderson threw four scoreless innings against the Seattle Mariners on Friday in his most recent exhibition start and will likely open the season as the fourth or fifth starter in the Royals' rotation if he is not traded.

His next scheduled start is Wednesday against the Mariners.

He said he has talked recently to general manager Allard Baird, but not specifically about being traded.

''He's talked to me as if I'm here,'' Anderson said. ''He said he likes our pitching staff. We haven't discussed it (a trade possibility) because there's nothing to discuss.

''Just talking to him, I get the feeling everything is kind of dead in the water, that I'm going to be here, which is what I've kind of prepared for all along,'' he said.

The Royals acquired Anderson on Aug. 25, 2003 from the Cleveland Indians.