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Monday, February 3, 2014

Prospect Profile: #30 Los Angeles Angels Michael Snyder

Bats: Right Throws: Right Height: 6’4” 230 lbs. DOB: 6/17/90
(Inland Empire): .280/.337/.506 with 25 HR and 92 RBI

 The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder out of Florida Southern and younger brother of former first round pick of the Orioles Brad Snyder was selected in the 23rd round of the 2012 amateur draft. Snyder Was named first team All-Sunshine State Conference in 2011 and 2012 and also first team All-Region by Daktronics, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and American Baseball Coaches Association.

Snyder is a big, strong presence who possesses raw plus power, both in batting practice and in-game contests. Snyder hit 25 home runs (tied for 3rd in the California League behind teammate Zach Borenstein who led the league in that department), clubbed 32 doubles and posted a .506 slugging pct. in his first full season of pro ball in High-A. Snyder has the ability to square up mistakes and has true over the fence pop to all fields, though his swing got a little long this past season resulting in a significant increase in strikeouts. Had trouble identifying good breaking balls and was easily put away by offspeed pitches when down in the count. Defensively Snyder moved from the hot corner where he saw action in Orem, to first base. Looked comfortable with the move as he made the routine plays and moved well laterally. Was solid at digging low throws out of the dirt. Snyder possesses below average speed.

Snyder's next stop will be in Double-A with the Arkansas Travelers where he'll look to improve his overall game. On top of his to-do list is to improve his pitch recognition, which will decrease the amount of whiffs at the plate. With power that rivals former Angels farmhand Mark Trumbo, it's not out of the question that we could see a similar type player in the big leagues if he continues to improve his game on both sides of the ball. One scout I talked to said Snyder reminded him of Mark Reynolds when coming up through the minors.

Get to know Michael Snyder better with our exclusive interview with the slugger.