Snyder promoted to Norfolk

by Mike Miller

 

Baysox first baseman Brandon Snyder was promoted to Triple-A Norfolk following Thursday’s win against the Reading Phillies, according to Orioles director of player development David Stockstill.

 

Snyder, who finished 0-for-3 with a walk Thursday, will be available for the Tides on Friday at Harbor Park in Norfolk, Stockstill said.

 

In 58 games at Double-A, Snyder batted .343 with 10 home runs and 45 RBI. He led the Eastern League in slugging percentage and OPS.

 

“It’s awesome,” Snyder said. “It’s definitely tough to leave because we’re starting to play real well and our pitching staff is throwing the ball real well so it’s kind of tough to leave. At the same time, I’m excited to start the new adventure.”

 

Stockstill said there was no pre-determined timetable for the promotion and that Snyder’s work and adjustments dictated the move.

 

“He’s really swung the bat very, very well and he’s made improvements on how he reads offspeed pitches,” Stockstill said. “They threw him a lot of pitches out of the zone and he’s matured a lot in taking the pitches and driving the ball all over the field. We feel it’s time that he can move up and make adjustments and compete at that level."

 

Manager Brad Komminsk broke the news to Snyder following the game as Snyder was joking around with teammates in the clubhouse. Snyder was in the middle of an impromptu comedy routine when Komminsk summoned him to his office.

 

“Brad threw a little joke at me and told me I gotta stop doing the splits because if I keep doing them, they’re going to send me down. So, I was like ‘Oh man’ and he said ‘From Triple-A.’ So it was pretty funny.”

 

Though his first base defense received the brunt of criticicm entering the season, Stockstill noted Snyder's overall improvement at the position while indicating that there is still room to grow.

 

“I think he’s made a lot of improvement," Stockstill said. "He’s gotten his feet under control better, he’s slowed down his actions. Where he still needs to continue to work is to work with his feet and keep his feet under him and not get too quick but he’s made outstanding progress with it.”

 

“I still think I have a long way to go but I’m making big strides and I think that’s what they’re looking for,” Snyder said. “I think I’ve shown enough lately to have the chance to go up and play.”

 

As Snyder packed his bags at his locker, his teammates each approached to shake hands, bump fists and offer congratulations. According to Snyder, Baysox players might be happy to finally see the self-proclaimed "best card player in the clubhouse" leave.

 

“It’s so much fun in here,” Snyder said. “It’s hard for me to leave at night because it’s always so much fun to hang out with these guys. I heard they’re pretty good [at cards in Norfolk] so it’s going to be tough not being able to beat everyone here up in cards.”

 

In Norfolk, Snyder will have the chance to reacquaint himself with his Virginia roots while reuniting with friends and familiar faces on the Tides’ roster.

 

“It’s going to be fun,” he said. “It’s a little ways away from home but I have some friends and family down there that I played with in different leagues so it should be fun. With summer around the corner, hopefully the family can take some trips down to the beach. I know all the guys that play up there and they’re all my buddies. Guys like [Justin] Christian and guys like that so I can’t wait to see them.”

 

As of Thursday, no corresponding move to Bowie’s roster has been made.