Topic: Joe Saunders

Joseph Francis Saunders (born June 16, 1981 in Falls Church, Virginia) is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He attended West Springfield High School in Springfield, Virginia.

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 1st 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.