The Speed of Josh

On Friday, the Atlanta Braves sent relief pitcher Oscar Villareal to the Houston Astros in exchange for a quick, young outfielder, Josh Anderson. With the Braves about to lose their perrenial Gold-Glove center fielder to Free Agency, Anderson may have some big shoes to fill in 2008.

Anderson, a 25-year old rookie from Somerset, Kentucky, was drafted by the 'Stros in the 4th round of the 2003 amateur draft, according to baseballreference.com. He made his debut in 2007, playing in 21 games and amassing 24 hits. But in five minor league seasons, Anderson has accumulated a total of 238 stolen bases, with a 79% success rate - so the kid can run.

Andruw Jones has patrolled center for the Braves since his rookie season in 1996. But now, it appears that the young Anderson will be replacing the 10-time Gold Glove winner, and could perform adequately for the Braves.

As for the Astros, they get a strong right-handed reliver in Villareal, who will share the late-inning duties with Chad Qualls. The bullpen has been a problem for the Astros in recent years, and with the recent acquisition of Michael Bourn, they had a spare speedy outfielder to deal for some bullpen help. The deal should work out nicely for both clubs.