College and Minor League Career
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 then 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 re-signed by the Angels to a one-year contract.
He was named #37 of the top 50 minor league baseball players in 2006 by Minor League News.
Read more about this topic: Joe Saunders
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