Joe Saunders

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**Joe Saunders**
Major League Baseball debut
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim — No. 68
Starting pitcher
Bats: Left	Throws: Left
August 16, 2005 for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Selected MLB statistics (through October 1, 2006)
Record	7-3
ERA	4.54
WHIP	1.37
Strikeouts	55

Joseph Francis "Joe" Saunders (born June 16, 1981 in Falls Church, Virginia) is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Saunders played college baseball at Virginia Tech, where he compiled a 27-7 career record. His 27 wins tied him for third place in most career wins in school history.

Saunders was drafted in the first round (12th overall) by the Anaheim Angels in 2002. After being promoted to single-A Cedar Rapids in 2002, he missed the entire 2003 season due to an injury in his left shoulder. He returned to the game with single-A Rancho Cucamonga in 2004 and went 9-7 with a 3.41 ERA. He was promoted to double-A Arkansas in 2004, and recorded a 7-4 record with two complete games in 2005.

Saunders was promoted to triple-A Salt Lake and was 10-7 with three complete games, including two shutouts, earning honors as the Angels Organization's Pitcher of the Year. He made his major league debut on August 16 against the Toronto Blue Jays, receiving a no decision after closer Francisco Rodriguez blew the save in a 4-3 loss for the Angels.

Saunders was sent back down to Salt Lake, but recalled on September 6 to start against the Seattle Mariners on September 14. Once again, he received a no-decision in a 10-9 defeat, and was optioned to Salt Lake. Though he was not placed on the playoff roster, he was resigned by the Angels to a one-year contract.

After Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon was placed on the disabled list during the 2006 season, Saunders was recalled a final time and replaced Colon on the rotation. Before Saunders received his first loss, he compiled a 4-0 record, and with Dustin Moseley (1-0) and phenom Jered Weaver (8-0), the Angels' rookie pitchers posted an impressive 13-0 record.

For the time being, Saunders remains on the Angels rotation as the team's only southpaw starter. It remains to be seen when Colon will rehabilitate from his injuries, and what effect his return will have on Saunders' place on the rotation.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Coaching Staff Rotation Bullpen Catchers Infielders Outfielders Disabled List:		Manager: Mike Scioscia • Bench: Ron Roenicke • Pitching: Mike Butcher Hitting: Mickey Hatcher • Bullpen: Orlando Mercado • First Base: Alfredo Griffin Third Base: Dino Ebel John Lackey • Ervin Santana • Joe Saunders • Kelvim Escobar • Jered Weaver Chris Bootcheck • Héctor Carrasco • Brendan Donnelly • Greg Jones Dustin Moseley • Chris Resop • Francisco Rodríguez • Scot Shields • Justin Speier Jeff Mathis • José Molina • Mike Napoli Erick Aybar • Orlando Cabrera • Chone Figgins • Maicer Izturis • Howie Kendrick Dallas McPherson • Kendry Morales • Robb Quinlan Garret Anderson • Darin Erstad • Vladimir Guerrero • Gary Matthews, Jr. • Tommy Murphy Juan Rivera • Reggie Willits Bartolo Colón • Casey Kotchman