Atlanta Braves Minor League Maneuvers
By Fred Owens
Former Boston Red Sox first baseman Brandon Snyder signed a minor league contract with the Braves. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Snyder
Brandon Snyder was the first selection of the Orioles in the 2005 draft and ranked at their #7 prospect in 2005 and 2006. He move dup to #6 in 2007 and remained a top ten prospect through 2010. Here’s BA’ scouting report on Snyder ($) following the 2010 season
"The Orioles hoped Snyder would seize their first-base job in 2010, but injuries and poor performance kept that from happening. . . .He missed five weeks with a back injury and pressed when he did play, causing him to slump. At his best, Snyder shows a smooth swing with good hands that allow him to take the ball to all fields, which should allow him to be a .300 hitter. He doesn’t have prototypical power for first base but should be able to hit 15-20 homers. . .He got. . . too aggressive and putting himself in bad counts. . . (he) significantly improved at first base (from catcher). . .and now is an average defender, with plenty of arm for the position.. . ."
In spite of being the best hitter for average in the Oriole system at one point Snyder never managed to claim and hold a major league job. The Rangers purchased him from the Orioles in 2012 but released prior to 2013. He caught on right away with the Red Sox and appeared in 52 games that season. He spent 2014 in the Red Sox system and signed back with the Orioles prior to this season.
Snyder hit 3 homers for the Rangers in his short stay in Arlington and average 9 a year in AAA. Here’s on he smacked for the BoSox.
Jordy Lara
Jory Lara is a 24 year old corner infielder signed by the Mariners as an international free agent in 2008. After two years in the DSL the Mariners moved him to rookie ball in 2011 for another two year stint. He moved to A ball in 2013 and was good enough over the next two years to be ranked the Mariners #15 prospect prior to this season. Here’s a portion of the BA scouting report ($) on Lara.
". . . Some evaluators see Lara’s season as a product of (the cal league) –he won the California League batting title (.353) and finished runner-up for on-base (.413) and slugging (.609) percentage– but others aren’t so dismissive. He used the right-center field gap well and squared balls up with the approach of an above-average hitter whose solid contact from the right side leads to at least average power. . .well below-average running . . .has a plus arm with above average accuracy, but (lacks range). He’s an adequate first baseman.. . .(he can hit a) breaking ball, and he hits the ball where it’s pitched. . ."
Released
The Braves also released RHP Steve Borkowski, RHP Daniel Cordero, RHP Mitchell Osnowitz, 2B Ronny Guillermo
That’s a Wrap
As the winter meetings approach the minor league rosters rosters start to get fleshed out a bit as teams try new faces and let others look for success elsewhere. As these happen we’ll keep you p to date here at th eTake.