[Petepont]

On a warm Monday evening in Los Angeles, 2013 AL Rookie of the Year John Anderson struggled through eight innings against the Cleveland Indians, allowing three runs on six hits, and striking out nine. His five walks tied his season and career highs. Anderson was only saved from a loss by a furious rally in the bottom of the ninth inning by the Angels.

Looking at some of the headlines after his start, you would think he'd had an awful day: Anderson Saved by Rally, Angels Win in 14 (The New York Times), Castillo Ties Game in 9th, Wins in 14th to Bail Out Anderson (The Los Angeles Times).

And yet the Angels won the game, and Anderson allowed only three runs over eight innings. His last start was a 2-0 loss to Minnesota, in which he allowed one run. Before that, he shut out Tampa Bay, striking out 15.

Since arriving in the Major League, Anderson has performed at a very high level, and so we've come to expect nothing but the best from him. But it needs to be remembered that this is only his second year in the majors, and that he is merely 20 years old.

Of course, Anderson has been the best at every level. After dominating high school and the lower levels of the minor leagues, Anderson struggled in two starts in Triple A. But he pitched well enough in his return to AA to earn a Spring Training Invite, and the rest is history.

In his most recent start, Anderson allowed 3 runs in 8 innings. That's good for a 3.375 ERA, which places him squarely in the top 10 among AL pitchers with at least 15 starts. That's not bad. That's amazing. Anderson's worst start in a month is better than all but 10 other pitchers average start.

This year, in the AL, there is only one contender in the Cy Young race. John Anderson is miles ahead of the competition. But best of all, Anderson is only 20 years old. He hasn't even hit his prime. We still have a decade to watch him grow.