Joe Saunders had two words for his offseason. Weird. Crazy.They seem as good as any. Saunders was a Diamondback. Then he was not. Then he was again, becoming the final piece in a starting rotation that appears as solid as any in the pitching-rich National League West.
The experience of being temporarily on the job market made him stronger mentally and physically -- and maybe even a little bit sexier.
My wife said my butt has gotten a little bit smaller, Saunders said with a smile, the result of all the extra work he has done to prepare for this season and beyond.
Even before Saunders spent two months in limbo, he was a regular at the D-backs' training facility at Salt River Fields, with help and encouragement from strength and conditioning coach Nate Shaw.
Not only is it a big year for me, but it is a big year for the team. I wanted to come up here and see what I could do for myself. I feel like Im in the best shape Ive ever been in heading into a spring training, said Saunders...
