Brandon Snyder

There's a lot to like about Snyder. His father Brian reached the majors as a pitcher, giving him pedigree. He's tough mentally, jumping back and forth between shortstop and catcher, though he moved behind the plate for good late in his senior season. He plays the game hard with a dirt-rat mentality in spite of his premium prospect status. Snyder takes batting practice like a major leaguer, working on driving balls the opposite way and trusting his hands in early rounds before working in his lower body and jolting shots out of the yard once he's loose. And he has performed, putting up good numbers against top summer competition with the Midland Redskins. He showed more polish and feel for the game than Midland teammate Cameron Maybin. Snyder's mature approach, line-drive swing and ability to pull the ball with authority remind scouts of Justin Upton at the plate. He overmatches high school pitching and has rated as the best player in northern Virginia since he arrived on the scene as a freshman. His speed is a tick below-average. His athleticism and arm strength would play at shortstop or third base, and some teams would start him out as an infielder to make sure his offensive development doesn't get stunted. But in the end, Snyder's ability and aptitude to play the premium position of catcher should win out. Limited experience means his receiving skills are ahead of his blocking skills now, but he should develop into at least an adequate defender.