Veteran outfielder Michael Saunders has asked for and been granted his release by the Orioles, per David Hall of the Virginian Pilot (Twitter link). Saunders had an opt-out clause in his deal, Hall adds.
The 31-year-old Saunders signed a minor league pact with the Orioles in early April after bouncing from the Pirates to the Royals in Spring Training. He opened the season with Baltimore’s Triple-A affiliate in Norfolk but has gotten off to a rough start, hitting just .161/.291/.253 with a homer, three doubles, a triple and two steals in 103 plate appearances. Saunders punched out 23 times but also drew 16 walks in his brief stint with the Tides.
Saunders enjoyed an All-Star first half with the Blue Jays in 2016 but wore down in the second half of that season before a disastrous 2017 with the Phillies. The former top prospect often showed potential with the Mariners produced in Seattle when on the field, but injuries have been an ongoing issue throughout his career. Most recently, he missed the majority of the 2015 season after suffering a torn meniscus in Spring Training that required surgery. Saunders has also dealt with shoulder injuries and missed time due to an oblique issue in the Majors as well.
Hi guys! 2 questions.
1) Was his disastrous 2016 2nd half collapse a top-10 collapse all-time? (Considering he made 2016 All-Star?)
2) Why is he nicknamed, “The Condor”? Because his bat died 2016 2nd half and has never resurrected since?
No. Simple as that.
Not trying to make fun (only the nickname), but I’ve never seen someone fall from grace, quick as Saunders. I know many players struggle 2nd half, and others vice versa, but just wanted someone to shed light on the matter.
For what it’s worth, I don’t like the nickname (hence the friendly jab) but I’m rooting for him to succeed, despite long road ahead.
Will Middlebrooks. He fell like a stone Phoenix.
Top 10? Yes, I’d say so. I consider Domonic Brown to be the worst drop offs for an All Star with Brad Hawpe a close second.
EDIT: I completely forgot about Bryan Lahair. Actually I forgot he was even a player, let alone an All Star. He’s probably the worst.
For pitcher drop-offs I nominate Jeff Locke.
Ubaldo Jimenez was 15-1 at the All Star break in 2010. Never sniffed an All Star team or topped 200 innings again in his career. He did get paid a bunch of money though.
might be end of the line
“Long Island Ducks sign veteran OF Michael Saunders” will be the next times we see his name in the news.
That’s right….or he can go play with Palmeiro on the Railroaders.
“Long Island Ducks agree to sign veteran OF Michael Saunders”
Bryan Lahair …. all star with cubs then sat the bench second half
He should’ve stayed in triple A with the team because nobody is going to sign him, but his pride would not let him.
He may not have had a choice. The team also needs to decide who deserves playing time moving forward. Same reason Jarrett Parker was released by Giants instead of being demoted.
The article implies he had a choice, since it said “he was granted” and that he had an opt out in his contract.
Ya know…snide remarks, especially coming from those who make them who have never accomplished a darn thing in sports, maybe in life but not in sports have no place here. But that’s just me.
Everything has been said.