| Michael Sonday. 6th February, 2009 - 10:55 am
 At five-foot-eleven, 250 pounds, one might think that Travis Snider is more suited to play linebacker in the NFL than be the left fielder of the future for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Although Snider's stature may be large, it shrinks in comparison to his immense talent and hitting potential.
Snider, who the Blue Jays selected 14th overall in the 2006 draft, cruised his way through the minors last season playing at three different levels before getting the call to the big show on August 28th. The next day Snider was playing at Yankee Stadium in New York, a game in which he recorded his first major league hit, a double off Yankee pitcher Carl Pavano.
Snider was impressive during his short stint with the Jays, batting .301 in 73 at-bats.
So what will Snider do for an encore?
The Blue Jays hope that Snider can step in and be their everyday left fielder, but his spring training performance may determine if he starts out in Toronto or with the Jays' Triple-A affiliate in Las Vegas.
Some feel Snider should start in the minors to gain more discipline at the plate. He struggled to keep his strikeout total to a minimum last season, accumulating 154 minor league strikeouts in just 487 at-bats. All young power hitters have to make adjustments to their swing, and Snider is no exception.
Snider, who will be just 21 years-old when the season starts, has left an impression on past teammates and coaches as a player that is mature beyond his years. He is a focused individual that will be a building block for Toronto's future.
Manager, Cito Gaston admitted that the 2009 season may be a difficult one for the Blue Jays due to injuries to their pitching staff and the fact that free agency did not do them much help. This will give Toronto an opportunity to properly develop their young talent like Snider and Adam Lind, whether that be down on the farm or up with the big leagues.
Snider could become an AL Rookie of the Year candidate if he gets considerable time at the major league level. David Price, who was Tampa Bay's unsung hero of the ALCS last season, is the favorite to win the award.
Snider's raw talent and exceptional knack for hitting makes him a difficult out for opposing pitchers, so even if Snider does start the season in Las Vegas, he may be up with the Blue Jays for good sooner rather than later.
He will most likely hit in the middle of the Blue Jays batting order, offering protection to those who bat in front of him. The Blue Jays future looks bright, as Snider, Vernon Wells, and Alex Rios could form one of the best offensive outfields in baseball.
If Snider can live up to his promise, the Blue Jays will have a talented young man that has all the makings of being a leader on and off the diamond. |
