Why Michael Saunders over Roman Quinn or Aaron Altherr as the starting right fielder, if the Phillies are trying to develop talent?
-- Dan M., Long Beach Island, N.J.
This is a good question, because the Phils have said they want to learn as much as possible about their young players in 2017. But here are a few reasons why I think Philadelphia acquired Saunders:
First, he came at a relatively affordable price (a one-year, $9 million contract with a 2018 club option) because there were so many hitters remaining on the market with a month to go before Spring Training.