- Full name Michael Snyder
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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On the verge of being considered a bust, Snyder had a breakthrough season in 2002, earning South Atlantic League all-star honors. After entering the season with a career .225 average and just 16 homers in 1,002 at-bats, he led Charleston in home runs and RBIs and ranked third in the Sally League in hits. Snyder's size led to his move from third base, the position he played in high school, across the diamond to first, and he had yet to translate his raw power into games prior to last season. His improved patience at the plate helped unlock his power. A sharp player who has started to pick up the nuances of the game, Snyder simply overpowers mistakes and has become more aggressive while at the same time increasing his walk rate. He wasn't placed on the 40-man roster after the season, but that could change in 2003 if he has another productive season. Lefthanded hitters with his raw power usually get several chances, and Snyder has earned at least one more. -
Drafted with a second-round pick after Alex Rios, Snyder too has grown and added about 20 pounds since the 1999 draft. That's one reason he moved across the diamond to first base last year after he played 38 games at third in his debut for Medicine Hat. Snyder struggled with the bat in 1999 and again at the start of 2000 when he was pushed to Hagerstown, but experienced his first success at Queens. Snyder is all about power. He has as much as anyone in the system and has (at times) the compact lefthanded swing to use it. Snyder has struck out a lot early in his career, but also has proven willing to draw a walk, a good sign in a young power hitter. As he continues to adjust to wood bats and his bigger body, Snyder should show more of his raw power.