The Baltimore Orioles continue to hold negotiations with
free agent Joe Saunders, as the club would like to re-sign the left-hander,
according to Buster Olney of ESPN.
The Orioles have continued talks with Joe Saunders, a pitcher they would like to re-sign. He's also high interest from three other clubs.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 20, 2012
Saunders is also receiving “high interest” from three other
clubs at this time, adds Olney.
The Orioles acquired Saunders last summer from the Arizona Diamondbacks
in exchange for reliever Matt Lindstrom. The left-hander went on to maintain an
ERA and WHIP of 3.63 and 1.276 over seven starts for Baltimore and playing a
pivotal role in the postseason.
Baltimore entered the offseason with starting pitching on its
to-do list, but as of yet it hasn’t added an arm. General manager Dan Duquette
has shown a patient approach and now that the high-profile names are off the
market he may come in and sign a pitcher such as Saunders to supplement the team’s
rotation.
The O’s could use a veteran presence in their rotation and
someone who can be counted on to provide 150-plus innings in 2013. At this
point their potential rotation will consist of some combination of Jason
Hammel, Wei-Yin Chen, Chris Tillman, Miguel Gonzalez, Zach Britton, Steve
Johnson and Brian Matusz.
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