I think the short answer to all of VfK's questions is, "Because these are short-term fillers (Saunders), or players already in the system for whom the organization does not have ready alternatives - at least not right now."
The Phils signed Saunders because he was available, and might conceivably help in 2017, and might conceivably have trade value in July. As it developed, he hasn't helped, and he has no trade value. Sometimes, these gambles don't pay off. Life goes on.
The organization has made no "moves" to endorse Maikel Franco's style of play. He's the 3B for now, because he's better than the available alternatives. That's all. Ditto Tommy Joseph - playing Joseph has not been at the expense of any better prospect (spare me knashing of teeth about Darin Ruf, or Brock Stassi).
If you want to evaluate what the organization's real philosophy, look at the kind of players they're drafting, or the kind of prospects they trade for - look for what they seek in a long-term addition to the talent roster. Don't be confused by short-term, stopgap acquisitions (Saunders), or decisions to go with the best available player in he short run, in a season where the club is not expected to contend. Those short-term choices are essentially meaningless - they say little about the club's real long-term preferences or goals. They're designed only to enable the organization to assemble a 25-man roster that does NOT require them to rush a real prospect prematurely.
