Padres Reportedly Have Interest In Joe Saunders

Left-handed pitcher Joe Saunders could be the “prized” free-agent who could be headed to San Diego. MLBTradeRumors.com reports the Padres have been one of a few teams to talk to the free-agent pitcher. The Orioles and Mariners are reportedly also in the running for Saunders.

October 11, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Joe Saunders (48) is removed from the game during the sixth inning of game four of the ALDS against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Saunders, 31, opened the 2012 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks before being dealt to the Orioles near the Aug.31 waiver trade deadline.

Saunders posted 9 wins with a 4.07 ERA in 174 2/3 innings last season. He also had a low strikeout 5.8 k/9 and walk rate  2.0 BB/9  last season.

In my opinion, Saunders is no better than a No. 4 starter. He definitely is not that ace the Padres desperately need.

Honestly, if the Padres were to sign Saunders I wouldn’t be happy about it. I don’t know much about the veteran or seen him pitch much, but the times I have seen him pitch he always seemed to get racked.

The Padres lost out this year on top tier free agents like Dan Haren, Edwin Jackson and Brandon McCarthy, so the Friars are now left to dig through the scrap heap for a pitcher.

Tell us your thoughts in the comment box below, would you like to see Saunders in the Padres rotation?