The Orioles have had several conversations with LHP Joe Saunders’ people, according to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun.
Saunders, 30, has played seven seasons with the Angels and Diamondbacks. He had a record of 12-13 with 212 innings pitched in 2011 with the Diamondbacks. His ERA was 3.69, although his FIP (4.78) and xFIP (4.38) probably indicate his true value. Saunders has a career 4.16 ERA, 4.65 FIP, 4.52 xFIP, 5.22 K/9, and a 2.84 BB/9.
Saunders would provide the Orioles with another starter who can eat innings and provide some stability in the rotation. He would presumably come at a lesser price than a player like Edwin Jackson, whom the Orioles may be interested in as well.
