Michael Saunders

2013

Subscribe now to see our 2013 outlook.

2012

Saunders started last season in Seattle, but the "re-tooled" swing he worked on in spring training never paid off, and it quickly became apparent that he needed everyday at-bats at Triple-A Tacoma rather than fighting for time in Seattle's crowded outfield as essentially a defensive replacement. He's had 572 career at-bats across three seasons, so it's still too early to dismiss him, but Saunders desperately needs to show progress, especially going the opposite way. The Seattle outfield got more crowded over the last year, too, so unless Saunders drops jaws in spring training, he's probably ticketed for Triple-A Tacoma again.

2011

Saunders was called up for good in May last season and spent the rest of the year trying to figure out major league pitching. A gimpy shoulder didn't help matters. He got hot briefly in mid-summer, but otherwise didn't prove much with his bat. He goes to spring training, though, as the team's left fielder in what could be a make-or-break year. Saunders' power is still developing, but he needs to be more selective at the plate (84 strikeouts in 289 at-bats). He'll be given every opportunity to win the left-field job for good, though the Mariners won't wait forever for his bat to come around.

2010

Saunders suffered his share of growing pains last season after his late-July callup, but as a lefty bat with developing power, speed on the basepaths and good defense, he's still a highly intriguing prospect. Saunders was frequently mentioned in offseason trade rumors, and the Mariners made no secret of their desire to add a bigger first-base or left-field bat, but Saunders heads to spring training as the favorite for left field. He needs to be more selective at the plate (6:40 BB:K) and lay off offspeed pitches out of the zone to be successful.

2009

Saunders still strikes out too much, but there's no denying his skills. He earned a promotion to Triple-A Tacoma after a strong showing at Double-A West Tennessee last season. A lefty bat with developing power, speed on the basepaths and good defense, Saunders heads to spring training with a chance to make the big league roster. Even if he starts the season at Triple-A, he's one of the organization's top prospects and figures to man an everyday outfield spot soon. He could help himself by not chasing offspeed pitches out of the zone.

2008

Saunders established himself as one of the organization's better prospects in 2007. An 11th-round pick in 2004, Saunders showed good development at High-A High Desert, totaling 43 XBH, 60 walks and 27 steals before a late-season promotion to Double-A West Tennessee. The Mariners have a number of outfield prospects on the depth chart, but Saunders is just 21, so he has plenty of time.