The Blue Jays had one of the best weeks of the season thus far, sweeping the Yankees and winning a series against Boston at Fenway. Their past twelve games were against these two division foes and they worked to an impressive 9-3 record in this span. If they can manage to keep that up through June and into the All Star break this team will surely be in a good position for the AL East crown.
Speaking of the All Star game, this week I look into outfielder Michael Saunders, who is having, in my opinion, a #ASGWorthy kind of season. It may be worthy but getting a spot on the AL roster in the outfield is no easy task, especially with the seasons Trumbo, Trout, and numerous others are having. Saunders’ name should be in the mix though.
Drafted 333rd in 2004 by the Seattle Mariners, Michael spent five seasons in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut in July 2009. He spent the first six seasons of his profession career with the Mariners, but only managed to play in over one-hundred games in two of them. His best season came in 2012 where he batted .247 with 19 home runs and 57 RBI’s as well as 21 stolen bases.
Unfortunately, a right AC joint injury and strained left oblique kept him out of the line-up for much of 2014 and he was subsequently traded to Toronto for pitcher J.A. Happ. After an unfortunate left knee injury kept him out of the line-up for the 2015 season, Saunders has bounced back in great fashion this year.
His .289 average along with 9 HR and 19 RBI are a welcomed addition to the line-up. Although the low RBI numbers will likely be the reason he does not get an All Star game nod, his near .300 batting average is second on the team and eighth among AL outfielders.
His career .236 average would show that he has not be recognized for his bat over his career, but if he can keep this up he may become one of the most touted OF free agents this offseason. He has committed only six errors since the 2012 season and is a more than reliable glove in left field. He is currently on a one year $2.9M dollar deal, but if he continues to play the way he has for another four months he will surely be in for a payday this offseason.
Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @GHam614 and I hope you have enjoyed this weeks’ Blue Jay player profile. Next week I’ll look in on the other Canadian on Canada’s team, Russell Martin.
