Texas Rangers Work Out Joe Saunders

Sep 21, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Joe Saunders (23) pitches against the Los Angeles Angels during the second inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

The Texas Rangers worked out left-handed pitcher Joe Saunders yesterday according to ESPN Dallas. Joe Saunders is probably best remembered by Texas Rangers fans for pitching the 2012 Wild Card game for the Orioles and defeating the Rangers in that game. Saunders had an ERA over five last season with the Mariners.

The Texas Rangers are still looking for veterans that can fill in while they are waiting for Derek Holland to get back and as they also wait to see if Matt Harrison, Colby Lewis, Tommy Hanson and Alexi Ogando stay healthy for a whole season. The jury is still out on all of those guys, but Hanson and Lewis are really looking good so far this spring. We will see Hanson today in the game against the Royals.

Joe Saunders had a bit of a down year last season, since his career ERA is 4.30. I happen to like Joe Saunders, or at least I have admired him from a far. I always saw Saunders as a workhorse that does not show a lot of emotion on the mound but just goes out there and gets the job done. I can remember being so annoyed with his demeanor during that Wild Card game in 2012, and then I can remember him having the same demeanor when the Texas Rangers blasted his in Seattle last season. He is consistent, he is a veteran and will provide leadership for the young players, and he is a lefty which you can never have enough of! All in all, if the Texas Rangers decide to sign Joe Saunders, I feel like it will be a minor league contract and I feel like he won’t have a great shot of making the rotation unless something else bad happens to one of the guys in front of him. As long as he knows that , then I say that the Texas Rangers can never have enough pitching and I would welcome the addition.