BBTF's Newsblog Discussion :: Arizona Diamondbacks trade LHP Joe Saunders to Baltimore Orioles

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Sunday, August 26, 2012

Arizona Diamondbacks trade LHP Joe Saunders to Baltimore Orioles

The Diamondbacks traded left-hander Joe Saunders to the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday in exchange for reliever Matt Lindstrom, a move that frees up a rotation spot for rookie Tyler Skaggs.

Saunders has been a steady presence in the Diamondbacks rotation since he was acquired in July 2010 from the Angels as part of the Dan Haren deal. He had a a 4.22 ERA in 21 starts this season and a 3.96 ERA in 67 starts since joining the Diamondbacks.

Skaggs is perhaps the Diamondbacks’ top pitching prospect. He made his major league debut on Wednesday, giving up two runs in 6 2/3 innings to the Marlins, and the club told him that night he would be remaining with the major league team. Skaggs had a 2.87 ERA in 22 starts between Double-A and Triple-A.

ShoeGrit Posted: August 26, 2012 at 07:42 PM | 17 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: diamondbacks, general, orioles

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1. Shooty is in the Trust Tree

Posted: August 26, 2012 at 08:33 PM (#4218776)

How are all these guys clearing waivers? Neither player is great, but they could help some teams. Couldn't the Angels use Lindstrom or a team like the Rockies use Saunders?

2. escabeche Posted: August 26, 2012 at 08:37 PM (#4218777)

It makes me very nervous to mess with a bullpen mix that's been so very successful and so central to Baltimore's great season. On the other hand, I suppose the idea here is simply that the Orioles get a pretty serious gain from swapping Hunter's remaining starts for Saunders'. If (and this is a big if) Gonzalez and Tillman can maintain what they've been doing, and if Hammel returns at full strength, the Orioles come down the stretch with 5 average or above-average starters and a still very well-stocked bullpen besides.

3. DKDC Posted: August 26, 2012 at 08:50 PM (#4218786)

Lindstrom was basically the 6th best reliever in the bullpen.

In September, all of the failed starters will be sitting in the bullpen, so they should do a credible job covering for Lindstrom in short stints.

Hell, Saunders may end up filling that role if he has a couple bad starts.

4. Big fan Posted: August 26, 2012 at 08:58 PM (#4218792)

Os ar playing the Yankees 6 times in the next coupel of weeks. I imagine they will use the lefty Saunders twice. Right now the Yankee lineup against lefties is terrible.

5. DA Baracus is gritty and hits with RISP Posted: August 26, 2012 at 09:32 PM (#4218816)

How are all these guys clearing waivers?

The unwritten gentleman's agreements.

6. McCoy Wilfong for Money Posted: August 26, 2012 at 09:38 PM (#4218822)

Would you want to pay Joe Saunders 1 million dollars or so for 3 starts? How many teams out there really need a 4th or 5th starter for the rest of this year?

7. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim

Posted: August 26, 2012 at 10:07 PM (#4218835)

The Angels have openings in the 2-5 slots of their rotation, and all bullpen slots are also available.

8. Shooty is in the Trust Tree

Posted: August 26, 2012 at 10:20 PM (#4218842)

Would you want to pay Joe Saunders 1 million dollars or so for 3 starts? How many teams out there really need a 4th or 5th starter for the rest of this year?

But if the Angels claim Lindstrom they either get him to replace one of the bums they have in their pen or they keep the Orioles--a direct competitor for a WC slot--from using him as a trade chit.

9. MM1f Posted: August 26, 2012 at 10:24 PM (#4218844)

So, does Arizona think they are still in the Wild Card race? Is that why they asked for a MLB guy instead of a prospect for Saunders?

10. Belfry Bob Posted: August 26, 2012 at 10:29 PM (#4218845)

I like this move for the Orioles. Low risk, potential reward. As Big Fan points out, the Yankees haven't been good against lefties, and the margin of one win might be huge for the O's. (According to Cool Standings, they lose the WC spot by 3 games.)

11. Justin T is expanding the aperture of awareness Posted: August 26, 2012 at 10:35 PM (#4218847)

So, does Arizona think they are still in the Wild Card race? Is that why they asked for a MLB guy instead of a prospect for Saunders?

Like Pot Arb said the other day, Kevin Towers has no idea what's going on.

12. escabeche Posted: August 26, 2012 at 10:47 PM (#4218854)

My question is: does this mean there's nothing to the rumors of Dylan Bundy getting a callup and September starts?

13. Jim (jimmuscomp) Posted: August 26, 2012 at 11:46 PM (#4218879)

What the Hombre said. Dipoto should have been on either Saunders or Lindstrom.

2013 it is, apparently.

14. akrasian Posted: August 26, 2012 at 11:47 PM (#4218880)

But if the Angels claim Lindstrom they either get him to replace one of the bums they have in their pen or they keep the Orioles--a direct competitor for a WC slot--from using him as a trade chit.

Teams can't claim every potential trade chit on the waiver wire. Was it really reasonable to think that Lindstrom - a 32 year old with 3.2 WAR for his career according to BRef - would fetch much in return?

There's a reason that every team floods the waiver wire this time of year - it makes it almost impossible to claim every player who might be traded, unless a team is willing to risk a bunch of teams calling their bluffs.

15. ShoeGrit Posted: August 27, 2012 at 12:54 AM (#4218901)

There is a PTBNL in the deal according to Dan Connolly

Player to be named in deal -- wont be made til after season's end -- is expected to be a lower-level minor leaguer. Not a targeted prospect

16. JE (Jason Epstein)

Posted: August 27, 2012 at 08:07 AM (#4218969)

I imagine they will use the lefty Saunders twice. Right now the Yankee lineup against lefties is terrible.

Joe Saunders = More MVP votes for Derek Jeter.

17. The importance of being Ernest Riles Posted: August 27, 2012 at 03:35 PM (#4219329)

Why won't Baltimore die? (says this A's fan)

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Sunday, August 26, 2012

Arizona Diamondbacks trade LHP Joe Saunders to Baltimore Orioles

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