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Absolutely. All of the winter moves were premised on Saunders NOT being awarded an MLB spot. I actually think the long-term signs are all positive for Saunders, though.
The word was that in winter ball he was "finally hitting like a 6-4, 210 guy should be" (paraphrasing) -- I assume they will consolidate that momentum in full-time play in Tacoma rather than part-time MLB.
Long-term: Ackley in the infield facilitates Ackley and Saunders playing together much more easily than Ackley and Triunfel playing together.