Michael Saunders: What Can The Mariners Get In Return?
By Dan Hughes
Oct 17, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias (1) turns a double play over Boston Red Sox catcher David Ross (3) during the fourth inning in game five of the American League Championship Series baseball game at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
New York Mets
The Mets are really interested in acquiring a shortstop. They are thought to be looking for corner outfield help, but desiring a more established piece. According to Danny Abriano at RisingApple.com thinks that Saunders would be nothing more than a fallback option for the Mets.
He does suggest that the Mets could have interest in Brad Miller and thinks that Cesar Puello could be dangled out there as a possible trade piece.
Puello had a fantastic 2013 in Double-A Binghamton (.326 avg, 16 HR, 73 RBI in 91 games) but took a step back in 2014 at Triple-A Las Vegas (.252, 7 HR, 37 RBI). But at 23-years old, there is still a lot of potential in this right-handed outfielder. It may be worth taking a look.
Baltimore Orioles
According to Domenic Vadala of BirdsWatcher.com, the Orioles have an abundance of outfielders and he doesn’t really see the need. He says he’d be shocked if the Orioles lose Nick Markakis and end up trading for Saunders as a fallback.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers need to fill a lot of holes, especially if they are about to lose Max Scherzer and Victor Martinez. The Tigers have already lost Andy Dirks on waivers, so there is a need. However, it’s hard to picture what the Tigers would give up to acquire Saunders.
Matt Pelc of Motor City Bengals says that one of their young shortstops (Eugenio Suarez or Jose Iglesias) could be moved. Suarez has hitting potential (.242/.316/.336) but is at replacement level on defense (0.1 dWAR).
Iglesias is a better defender (1.3 dWAR in young career) but is coming off of missing the entire 2014 season with stress fractures in both of his shins.
Pelc also suggests that the Tigers have Devon Travis in the minors – a right-handed bat with pop. He is a 2nd baseman but the Tigers were going to try him at centerfield during the Arizona Fall League before he needed core muscle surgery.