M’s outfielder Saunders changes bat, stance, attitude

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Michael Saunders is grasping on to more these days than just heavier bats.

His early spring success, which carried over Friday in an 8-5 win by the Seattle Mariners over the Oakland Athletics in their Cactus League opener, has given him hope he can land a center-field job now up for grabs. And that has everything to do with the big bat he’s swinging both literally and figuratively.

Saunders put Seattle ahead to stay with a two-run, second-inning home run, one of five long balls belted by the Mariners off Oakland pitching.

“So far, the early results are encouraging to me,” Saunders said. “Not just from a physical side, but my mentality, as well. I’ve got to remain positive and aggressive and confident. That’s the biggest thing for me.

“I was very passive last year. I didn’t trust myself. I was a little lost and I think it showed. I’ve learned a lot from that.”

Jesus Montero and Carlos Peguero also hit two-run homers for the Mariners while Luis Rodriguez and Johermyn Chavez hit solo blasts in front of 6,316 fans on a day a stiff wind at Phoenix Municipal Stadium was helping balls carry.

Saunders has used a revamped stance and more compact swing, not to mention a 60-ounce bat – double the normal weight he uses – during batting practice to help him maintain form.

Saunders’ in-game bat has also undergone a size change.

“It’s just a bigger head and a longer barrel,” Saunders said of the 31-ounce Louisville D-195 L model he uses as opposed to his previous C-271 L. “It’s feeling very comfortable. I’m seeing the ball well.”

Saunders is putting up impressive early numbers in three intrasquad games. Saunders hopes to parlay those into an Opening Day job now that the Mariners are seeking a replacement for the again-injured Franklin Gutierrez for at least the season’s first month and likely more.

And with three weeks to go before the Mariners head to Japan to open their regular season against Oakland, Saunders has that much time to demonstrate that his early numbers can hold up.

“A lot of people will say it’s just intrasquad, but at the same time it’s still competition out there,” said Saunders, who went 4 for 7 with a home run, a double and three walks in those three games. “Even though it’s really early on, seeing your hard work come into play and having some success is very encouraging. I know that I’m headed in the right direction. I was searching for answers this offseason and I feel that I’ve found them.”

“He’s been real good all spring,” Mariners manager Eric Wedge said of Saunders. “He’s up there ready to hit.”