Aug. 26, 2012: RHP Matt Lindstrom to Arizona Diamondbacks for LHP Joe Saunders

Grade: A

Acquired to stabilize the rotation down the stretch, Saunders was more than worth the small cost of Lindstrom, a veteran reliever with no place in the stacked Orioles’ bullpen. Saunders soon cemented his place in Orioles lore. He was tabbed as the Orioles’ starter for the first-ever AL Wild Card Game, drawing the assignment against Texas Rangers ace Yu Darvish in Arlington — where Saunders was 0-6 with a 9.38 ERA in his career.

The rest is history. In one of the most memorable games in recent club lore, Saunders outdueled Darvish with 5 2/3 strong innings, pitching the Orioles into the ALDS. He then repeated the effort with another solid start against the New York Yankees that helped the Orioles stave off elimination in Game 4. Saunders certainly paid off as a trade-deadline acquisition.

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