Mariners outfielder Michael Saunders will play for his native country of Canada in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. He was unable to play in the 2009 Classic due to shoulder surgery and told MLB.com on Monday that Seattle comes first but he is excited for the opportunity. “First and foremost, I’m devoted to the Mariners,” Saunders said. “I look at this as an opportunity to play. It’s kind of taking over for the Olympics, but at a much more competitive level. It’s the best players representing their countries instead of the best amateurs, so the competition will be the best in the world.”
