What Does Michael Saunders Bring To The 2017 Phillies?

On Thursday the Phillies officially signed Michael Saunders to a one-year, $9 million contract with an $11 million club option for 2018.  Saunders was an All-Star last season with the Toronto Blue Jays, played in 140 Games in which he hit 24 Home Runs and 32 Doubles.  The expectation is for Saunders to be plugged into Right Field and supply offensive stability to a batting lineup that lacked power last season.

Phillies Beat Writer Ryan Lawrence joined The Sports Bash on Thursday and talked about what Saunders bring to the Phillies for 2017:

“The Phillies are the team that had the worst outfield (offensive) production during the season last year. The Phillies needed some veteran hitters the team can lean on; Michael Saunders is a guy where the only thing that holds him back is his injuries.  Last year he played 140 games and was very productive; He had 815 ops, ranked 10^th among American League outfielders....He fits really well with their offense because (Phillies) needed a left hand guy....If he plays 150 games next year he should hit 30 home runs easy in this ball park.”

Hear Lawrence thoughts on potential Phillies Pitching Rotation and Batting lineup for 2017 along with his experience as a Clemson Alumni at CFB National Championship Game