In recent weeks the Astros have added Travis Buck, Nick Stavinoha, Craig Tatum and Brian Bixler, and now add former Cub Brad Snyder.
↵However, Snyder never really got a fair shake at the major league level with the Cubs, having been drafted by the Cleveland Indians back in 2003 in the first round. Snyder made Baseball America's top 100 prospects in 2005 and 2006, but suffered injuries a year later and was claimed off waivers in 2008.
↵Snyder turns 30 in May next year and while there is not an awful lot to grab you in his numbers, his ISO over his career is particularly high, even if his OPS does not stand out. Solid power, speed and on-base skills, combined with a fearsome strikeout percentage makes him a solid Ed Wade pickup.
↵However, he has only played in the outfield and 1959 plate appearances at the AAA minor-league level. If the Astros are not sold on Brian Bogusevic as an everyday player in right field, Snyder may prove to be another option. However he is a left-handed bat, which means he is not a platoon candidate. Adding to Tim's conspiracy theory about adding DH candidates to the franchise, and Snyder like Buck, may be a fit.
↵With these moves and a trip to the AL West looking imminent this Thursday, the Astros may start to resemble a poorly run version of the Oakland A's.
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