High expectations don't faze Saunders

High expectations don't faze Saunders

By Mike Petraglia
MLB.com

PROFILE: JOE SAUNDERS   Virginia Tech   LHP   56K | 300K   L/L   6-4   200   06-16-81   SR Extra-large frame. Durable build, large hands, strong. Build similar to Barry Zito. Smooth delivery. Fields position well. Aggressive with riding fastball. Effectively mixes in two-seamer. Slider is more of a slurve with late bite. Changeup is strikeout pitch. Improving every year. Good feel for mound. More Profiles  Joe Saunders  Jason Neighborgall  Jeff Francis  Adam Loewen  Royce Ring  Anthony Reyes  Rich Hill  Jeff Clement  B. Bullington/L. Hagerty   Bobby Brownlie  Scott Kazmir  B.J. Upton  Jeremy Guthrie  Jeff Baker  2002 Draft story archive

Joe Saunders was one of those watching with keen interest when Mark Prior made his Major League debut May 22 for the Chicago Cubs.

It was for good reason the left-hander from Virginia Tech was paying close attention. Like Prior, Saunders chose to go to college first and then test the professional waters. The 6-foot-3 junior, drafted by Philadelphia in the fifth round in 1999, is re-entering the First-Year Player Draft this year and, after three stellar years with the Hokies, it appears his decision was a wise one.

"I think I looked at [Prior] and said, 'Wow, I got a pretty good shot of that being me someday.' If I go out and work as hard as I can, my dreams can come true someday," said Saunders. "This is the last time I'll be playing (college). I've just got to enjoy every minute of every day and take nothing for granted. I'm just having as much fun as possible."

For Saunders, who turns 21 on June 16, having fun translated into success throughout his three years at Virginia Tech. His complete-game victory in his last college start, against Boston College in the Big East tournament, gave him nine wins this season. The native of Fairfax, Va., won nine games in each of his three years in Blacksburg.

"I think any baseball player looks at his statistics and tries to improve upon those statistics," said the lefty. "That's one of the goals of any kid trying to make it, and especially for me. I think being able to improve every year has really helped me out.

"I think my pitchability (has grown)," Saunders said. "Learning not to just throw in high school, but learning how to pitch in college because the hitters are so much better in college than high school. That's been the biggest development in my game."

Still, many scouts felt Saunders was ready coming out of West Springfield (Va.) High in 1999. Saunders was one of those who felt he wasn't. So he decided to go to nearby V-Tech and turned down an offer from the Phillies.

"Basically," explained Saunders, "I just look back on the fact that three years ago I was drafted in the fifth round by the Phillies. It really amazes me that I could be doing this well."

Due to unexpected personnel losses, Saunders was thrust into a prominent role on Tech's pitching staff his freshman year. The first-year player responded by posting a 9-2 mark and earning Atlantic 10 Conference first-team honors.

		JUNE 4-5 | NEW YORK CITY Draft order | Rules | FAQ FULL COVERAGE: • Bullington goes first • Drafttracker • Complete Draft coverage Round-by-round audio Round 1 Rounds 2-5 Rounds 6-10 Rounds 11-15 Rounds 16-20 Rounds 21-22 Rounds 23-27 Rounds 28-32 Rounds 33-37 Rounds 38-42 Rounds 43-50

Saunders was serious about preparing himself for the next time he would make himself eligible for the draft. Part of that preparation was taking part in the Cape Cod League in 2001. He was rated the third-best pitcher in that circuit.

"I tried last year [in the Cape Cod League] to do the best that I can, to make a name for myself," said Saunders. "This year, I just tried again to do my best and have a strong season. It's got me where I am today and I'm just really lucky.

"I think just focusing from the first inning on has helped me," he said. "The Cape was a great experience. The fact that I went up there and succeeded was one of the best things that could've happened to me."

The lefty also knows his strengths and limits. By his own admission, he will not succeed by trying to blow batters away with a mid-90s fastball. He will rely on his smooth delivery that generates good command and location.

"I think I'm a Tom Glavine or Eric Milton-type of pitcher," Saunders said. "I don't throw nearly as hard as Randy Johnson does. Maybe someday I might come close to that. That would be amazing but right now, I emulate Tom Glavine or Eric Milton."

Saunders has not spent the last three years wondering what might have been. Rather, his energy and focus has been directed toward the bright future many scouts feel he has.

"People have told me that if I do well early," said Saunders, "I could move up through the (minors) fairly quickly. That's the goal of any pitcher and that's my goal, if I do get drafted. I think if I do pitch well, I can move up quickly."

The Pittsburgh Pirates, with the No. 1 overall pick on Tuesday, will have the first chance to decide if Saunders will be moving up in their system.

Mike Petraglia is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.