Prospect Watcher: Travis Snider

This season I am debuting a new feature that will hopefully catch on and also help fantasy baseball owners. The Prospect Watcher will breakdown one (or two) rookie player’s hitting performance. The format of the feature will likely evolve during the course of the season as I find out what works and doesn’t work. As well, if you have any suggestions just let me know by posting them here or by e-mailing me.

Toronto Blue Jays 12 Detroit Tigers 5
April 6, 2009 in Toronto (Night Game/Dome)
Travis Snider | LF | Toronto

At-Bat 1:

Pitcher: Justin Verlander (RHP)

Situation: Leading off the second innings | 0-1 count

Result: Double to center

Pitch: Change-up | outside and middle (strike) | 85 mph

At-Bat 2:

Pitcher: Justin Verlander (RHP)

Situation: Fourth inning, one out, none on | 0-0 count

Result: Solo home run

Pitch: Fastball | outside and low (strike) | 92 mph

At-Bat 3:

Pitcher: Eddie Bonine (RHP)

Situation: Fifth inning, one out, runner on 1B | 0-0 count

Result: Ground out, advances runner to second

Pitch: Curveball | inside and up (strike) | 83 mph

At-Bat 4:

Pitcher: Nate Robertson (LHP)

Situation: Two out, runner on first

Result: Strikeout swinging

Pitch: Slider | outside and low (ball) | 83 mph

* * *

Pitching Performance of Note: St. Louis Cardinals’ rookie Jason Motte, who earned the right to close games to begin the season with a dominating spring, blew his first save opportunity of the year, which ultimately resulted in a loss for the club. In one inning of work, Motte allowed four runs on four hits. The 4-2 game for St. Louis ended 6-4 for Pittsburgh. Freddy Sanchez, Eric Hinske and Jack Wilson all hit doubles off of Motte.