Fansided · Jun 12, 2017
Phillies: How long can Michael Saunders leash be?
The logic behind the signing of Saunders shouldn’t be fought, nor compared to the reacquisition of Marlon Byrd in 2014.
Philadelphia saw an opportunity to sign an admittedly streaky power hitter who could garner a high price at the trade deadline. He came on a one-year deal, and the Phillies wisely added a club-option so the acquiring team could see him as more than a rental.
While hoping for the hitter who mashed 16 home runs with a .298 batting average prior to the 2016 All-Star game, the Phillies instead found the sub-.200 hitter.
Through 58 games Michael Saunders’ abysmal .203 batting average can’t be forgiven, even on this roster.