Free agent left-hander Joe Saunders is drawing significant
interest this offseason, as the starter is currently talking to the Baltimore
Orioles, Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres, according to Ken Rosenthal of
FOX Sports. The New York Mets are also discussing Saunders as an option to fill
out their rotation, reports Marc Carig of Newsday.
Sources: Saunders talking to #Orioles, #Padres, #Mariners. #Pirates also had been in, presumably out with addition of Liriano.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 22, 2012
Source says Mets are also discussing Joe Saunders as an option to fill out rotation. He's on list along with Pavano, Marcum and Chris Young.
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) December 22, 2012
The Pirates were another team that showed interest in
Saunders, according to Rosenthal, but he believes they’re likely out of the
running following their signing of Francisco Liriano.
The Mets have been tied to multiple starters this offseason,
also including Carl Pavano, Shaun Marcum and Chris Young, while Baltimore has
been linked to other starters such as Kyle Lohse. The Mariners have been
pursuing bats this winter, but they are reportedly seeking a replacement for
Jason Vargas, who was traded to the Los Angeles Angels for Kendrys Morales.
Saunders maintained an ERA and WHIP of 4.07 and 1.340 over
28 starts for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Orioles last season. The 31-year-old
owns a career ERA and WHIP of 4.15 and 1.369 over eight seasons in the majors.
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