Travis Snider

Grady Sizemore sets the standard for hitters drafted out of high school from Washington state, and Snider appears to be the best hitter to come through the state since Sizemore got $2 million from the Expos in 2000. He's mature physically with a strong frame that once made him a top football running back, though he quit after his sophomore season when he broke his right ankle on the last play of spring practice. Snider's powerful lefthanded swing generates above-average bat speed and raw power, and he's become noted not just for hitting lots of home runs, but for hitting lots of long home runs. He does a good job of hanging in against lefthanded pitchers and staying back on breaking balls, trusting his hands. His work ethic earns raves from scouts; he organizes practices three times a week for his Jackson High team, which was undefeated through 21 games, and gives hitting lessons to local children as a senior class project. While he's a solid student, Snider, an Arizona State recruit, is considered signable. Snider's value rests almost completely in his bat, as he's a below-average runner and fringe-average defender due to his modest throwing arm.