Shorebird of the week 4-5-2007

In this photo from May of 2006, Brandon Snyder models some items he'll not be wearing much this season - catcher's equipment.

Do the names Wade Townsend, Beau Hale, Rick Elder, Mike Paradis, and Jayson Werth ring a bell? If you really follow the Orioles, they should. These five players were all among the first Oriole picks in the amateur draft over the last ten years. More familiar names like Chris Smith, Adam Loewen, and 2003 first rounder Nick Markakis also join that list.

This year’s edition of the Shorebirds was slated to have two number one picks on the infield – alas, 2006 top pick Billy Rowell is injured and not on the Shorebirds’ opening roster. But my initial pick for Shorebird of the Week Brandon Snyder is healthy enough to play and is slated to man first base this season.

After a great rookie campaign in 2005, Brandon hit a serious speed bump in 2006. He only batted .213 across two levels (Delmarva and Aberdeen) and a shoulder injury compacted his season to just 72 games played. Because of this injury, first base is now Brandon’s home.

Because of the injury and learning a new position, the 2007 campaign will go a long way to determining whether Snyder will be a member of the first group of five first-round busts I opened this post with, or a solid big leaguer like Nick Markakis is becoming.

Author: Michael

It's me from my laptop computer.

2 thoughts on “Shorebird of the week 4-5-2007”

  1. If Snyder is as good a hitter as they say he is, then he belongs at 1st regardless of the injury.

    I’d also like to mention:
    – Richard Stahl
    – Keith Reed
    – Tripper Johnson
    – Mamon Tucker
    – Darnell McDonald
    – Ntema Ndungidi
    – Alvie Shepherd

    And that’s all in the 1st round the last 12 years…

  2. Thus far Snyder’s hitting well, 3 for 4 in his debut.

    But the rest of ‘Birds seem to have their hitting problems from last year, losing a tough 4-2 decision.

    As for my list I just placed the top picks in my little posting, not the sandwich picks.

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