Ben Snyder
| IP | 842 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 3.495 |
| WHIP | 1.249 |
| BB/9 | 2.64 |
| SO/9 | 7.172 |
- Full name Benjamin David Snyder
- Born 07/20/1985 in Bellevue, OH
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 225 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- School Ball State
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Drafted in the 4th round (116th overall) by the San Francisco Giants in 2006 (signed for $280,000).
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Snyder's older brother Brad is an Indians outfield prospect who went 18th overall in the 2003 draft. Ben won't go that high, but he should go in the first five rounds because he's a classic pitchability lefthander with a strong competitive makeup. His forte is throwing four pitches for strikes. His fastball usually ranges from 85-88 mph and occasionally touches 90, but he can put it where he wants. Even when it sits at 84-86 mph, he gets by with his ability to sink, cut and command it. His curveball is average, and he enhances it by adding and subtracting velocity from it. His changeup is a good weapon, though at 81-82 mph it could use more separation from his fastball. If his changeup doesn't have its normal sink, it gets hit. He also throws a cut fastball that he calls a slider. The top prospect in the Great Lakes League last summer, Snyder has additional bargaining power. He's a draft-eligible sophomore after redshirting in 2004.
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Organization Prospect Rankings
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As a pitcher with collegiate experience who knows how to change speeds, Snyder was expected to do well in low Class A. He didn't disappoint, leading San Francisco farmhands with 16 victories and becoming a key figure in the minor leagues' most dominant rotation. In fact, Snyder was the only member of Augusta's starting five who wasn't selected to the South Atlantic League all-star game--despite ranking fourth in the league with 75 strikeouts and sixth with a 2.15 ERA at the break. Snyder, whose older brother Brad preceded him at Ball State and is an outfielder in the Indians organization, is a true starting pitching prospect with a fastball, curve, changeup and slider. He can hit 90 mph but usually pitches in the upper 80s and isn't afraid to throw inside to lefthanders, whom he limited to a .180 average last season. One Giants coach said Snyder is ahead of where Noah Lowry was in his first pro season. Snyder's changeup might not be as good as Lowry's, but it has potential to be a plus pitch. Snyder reported to Hawaii Winter Baseball and got pounded for a 9.39 ERA, mostly because of fatigue. He's a strong athlete who fields his position well. Because he repeats his delivery well and throws strikes, Snyder could move through the system quickly. He'll open in high Class A this year.
