Red Sox vs the AL East: left fielders
By Conor Duffy
Sep 19, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Michael Saunders (55) reaches on an error during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
3. Michael Saunders, Blue Jays
The issue with Saunders has rarely been performance, as the athletic 28-year old has been solid on the field in recent seasons but has had trouble staying off the disabled list. In 2014, Saunders played in only 78 games with the Mariners, but had his best season at the plate yet as he slashed .273/.341/.450. It’s worth noting that his BABIP of .327 was well above his career average of .290, but there’s more to his success last season than just a high BABIP. Saunders struck out at the lowest rate of his career (but still a high rate at 22.4%), walked more than his career rate (9.9% versus 9.2%), and posted an isolated power well above his career average (.177 versus .153). Plus, he will be moving from the stifling confines of Safeco Field to the much more hitter-friendly environment of the Rogers Centre. If Saunders can stay healthy this season, he could be a major breakout candidate in Toronto.