Baltimore.Orioles.MLB.com

It was a forgettable season for Brady Anderson, who looks to return in 2003. (Mark Duncan/AP)

Anderson, who played 12 years with the Orioles, is not retired. He is not basking in the glow of a 14-year career, and not ready for full-time duty on the charity golf tournament trail. Anderson showed up to Ripken Stadium in fine shape, his frame wiry and filled with eagerness to return to the Major Leagues next season.

The 38-year-old Anderson said that he wants one more chance at a roster and is looking to sign a contract before Spring Training in February. His 2002 season was a major disappointment after his release by the Cleveland Indians in May, and the rest of the season out of baseball.

Anderson said he had offers to return to the Majors, but injured an Achilles' tendon playing basketball and decided to sit out of the season and rehabilitate.

"I was sort of uncertain what I wanted to do but I want to play again and look forward to the challenge," he said. "I haven't even thought about (a team) yet, I just wanted to get into shape."

The 34-game stint with Cleveland was an unceremonious ending to a solid career. Anderson signed with the Indians to be a veteran presence in the outfield, but shortly after he was added, the organization decided to change philosophy and play youngsters.

Anderson, battling back problems and questionable bat speed, hit just .163 in 80 at-bats, was released and replaced by prospect Chris Magruder. Anderson said he does not regret signing with Cleveland after the Orioles bought out his contract.

"No team has ever done me wrong," he said. "You make your own breaks. I only had probably 80 at-bats, but had I been hitting better during those 80 at-bats, I'm sure they wouldn't have released me. There was a little bit of a transition and a little bit of turmoil coming off seven titles and struggling near .500. I caught the team during a weird time when they were getting rid of a lot of veteran players and giving Triple-A guys a chance."

A fixture in the Orioles' outfield during the 1990s, Anderson had his worst statistical season in 2001, hitting just .202 in 131 games. He'd enjoyed better times in an Orioles' uniform, including a 50-homer season in 1996, a team record.

Anderson also set Baltimore records for extra-base hits and total bases that season. He could never match those power numbers, but he did hit .282 with 24 homers in 1999, his final productive season for Baltimore.

When it became apparent to Orioles' management that Anderson was in decline and younger players needed playing time, the club bought out his contract, making him a free agent. Anderson said he sought a team missing just a few pieces and decided on the Indians, who had lost in the Division Series the previous year.

Anderson said he will not be as selective when choosing a team for next season.

"I did that last year and ended up with the Indians," he said. "I had some good offers from other teams and I don't know if I made a mistake signing with the Indians, but right after they signed me they started making changes."

Ripken, Anderson's close friend and teammate his entire tenure in Baltimore, said the Orioles' all-time leader in leadoff home runs has more baseball left.

"Brady's in phenomenal shape, he's got the body of about a 22-year-old," Ripken said. "If he wants to still play and go out, I still think he's got plenty in the tank."

Anderson said he has a lot of prove and offer to a team who could use a veteran outfielder with some pop. After spending the past two weeks in Baltimore having his Achilles' tendon examined, Anderson declared himself healthy and ready for one final go.

The question is whether he will get his wish.

"It was a good break actually," he said. "(A few months ago), I wasn't dying to get back then like I am now. I just want to hook on somewhere. I'm not in the position to sit around and pick which team I want."

Lopez honored: Rodrigo Lopez was named American League Rookie Pitcher of the Year by The Sporting News in voting conducted by his peers.

Lopez led AL rookies with 15 wins and a 3.57 ERA. He also was first in strikeouts (136) and innings pitched (196.2). He finished the season by pitching at least seven innings in 8 of his last 15 starts, and allowed three or fewer earned runs in 19 of 28 outings.

Gary Washburn is a reporter for MLB.com and can be reached at gwashb7519@aol.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.