Ian Snell

by znyfan on Mar 22, 2007 1:00 PM EDT

Ian Snell has been rather impressive this spring. Behind a slightly improved Pirates team, in a weak division, what do people think Snell will do this year? So far Snell has a 1.69 ERA and an 18/5 K/BB ratio in 16 innings. While spring training numbers are largely meaningless, are these numbers any indication of a good season? As rotoworld stated "His command only needs to get so much better for him to become a No. 3 starter."

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Snell's for Real

I have been tracking this guy for about four years and think he's on the verge of a real breakthrough. I could see him as high as a No. 2 and he has the make-up of a 15+ game winner (oh wait, he's on the Pirates...).

by Will Play Roto for Food on Mar 22, 2007 1:01 PM EDT reply actions

spring training numbers are meaningless...

but his numbers last season are pretty impressive, notwithstanding his ERA.

Before the all-star break he had 81ks, 38bb in 101 IP. After the all-star break he dialed it up with 88ks, 36bbs in 85IP. He's got the stuff to dominate and showed better control in the minors. I expect he'll get back to above average control in the majors with time.

One of his problems last year was that lefties hit .300+ against him, so he might not have an outpitch against lefties yet. If he gets one he could break out as soon as now.

I heard he's been working on his off-speed stuff so hopefully that means he's trying to find something against lefties.

I'm a huge snell fan and he's always been underrated simply because of his size. Hopefully he can stay healthy and succeed.

by Team Moneyball on Mar 22, 2007 1:29 PM EDT reply actions

I agree

with others on this diary, and think Snell's going to have a big year. This guy doesn't get enough publicity because he's in Pittsburgh, but he's got excellent ratios and big timestuff. Plus, he's a lion on the mound.

by Yakker on Mar 22, 2007 2:05 PM EDT reply actions

I like Snell As Well

My thoughts echo Team Moneyball's. Snell's biggest problems last year all had to do with lefties.

Against lefties his line was:
86IP 105H 47BB 76K .305BAA
Against righties:
100IP 93H 27BB 93K .251BAA

That is a pretty substantial split. Snell flashes three plus pitches but I think it's safe to say that his changeup is the most inconsistent of the three. If he can get that together I think he can be a very solid pitcher...a good #2.

by Dfarth on Mar 22, 2007 2:07 PM EDT reply actions

you forgot HRs allowed

29 dingers allowed in 186 equals out to a pretty high 1.4 HR/9. Especially considering PNC supresses homers as opposed to being a launching pad like CBP.

To me, this is the kinda guy that might be fairly useful in fantasy but is going to get a beat down in sim.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ0CPHplmhY

by natsfan2005 @ Minor League Ball on Mar 23, 2007 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions

Still

A rather large split...Lefties hit 18 HR off of him as opposed to 11 from righties (in more innings). His HR rate to righties (11 in 100 innings) is almost acceptable.

by Dfarth on Mar 23, 2007 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions

definately one to watch

Any starter who has a K/9 like Snell's can break through at any time.

by limozeen on Mar 22, 2007 2:32 PM EDT reply actions

No Hitter in AAA

I'll be the first A+ prospect...

by ufoboy90 on Mar 22, 2007 5:45 PM EDT reply actions

From Rotoworld

"Ian Snell - You can snag Snell at the end of a mixed league draft or auction. Outside of Pittsburgh, Pirates don't get much fantasy respect. (Maybe they don't in Pittsburgh, either...I've never done a draft there). Anyway, Snell could provide an ERA around 4 with 170 cheap strikeouts. He could tack on 11-13 wins even for a shaky ballclub. "

I think that is a pretty fair bet as to how his 2007 will play out, assuming health. I am quite high on him.

by drwmsu1 on Mar 22, 2007 8:50 PM EDT reply actions

you know

A little known secret is that you can compete in every fantasy pitching category with a staff full of 4.00 ERA, 11-13 win, 170 strikeout pitchers.

by limozeen on Mar 22, 2007 10:21 PM EDT reply actions

tis true

Not many of those guys around, but if you can snag a few and mix them in with some ERA studs you have a sick staff.

These guys might mix in some bad starts, but they'll give you monster starts like 7ip, 8ks, 0-2 er that any team can use.

by Team Moneyball on Mar 23, 2007 1:40 AM EDT up reply actions

there are plenty

Just have to watch the guys who get about 100 IP with 70+ strikeouts and are set to get 150-200 IP this year. John Maine, Boof Bonser, Hong-Chih Kuo, Chuck James, Oliver Perez, etc. etc. I have three of those guys on my roster. Mix in a few 3.80 ERA 180K studs like Brett Myers, Erik Bedard, etc. and maybe one or two true aces or breakout candidates, and you've got it made.

by limozeen on Mar 23, 2007 2:59 AM EDT up reply actions

right...

but those guys aren't getting 170 ks in a year :), but i see you working

by Team Moneyball on Mar 25, 2007 12:06 AM EDT up reply actions

FWIW

Below is from the AP writeup after his last outing:

"The biggest difference for me this spring is I'm mixing up my pitches more and trying to mess with guys' heads a little more," Snell said. "Last year, I felt I relied on my fastball a little too much. I've changed things up a little bit and have kind of a new look."

Snell is slated to be Pittsburgh's No. 2 starter behind Zach Duke. The 25-year-old right-hander was 14-11 with a 4.74 ERA last year.

"He has been on a mission from the first day of spring training," manager Jim Tracy said. "He has grown so much as a pitcher and as a person. He has so much maturity both on the mound and off the field. It has all been very impressive. He's throwing all his pitches for strikes and all from the same arm speed."

"Baseball is dull only to dull minds." -Red Barber

by e 6 on Mar 23, 2007 12:41 PM EDT reply actions

snell

this stuff really excites me, when a young guy has something to prove.

If snell's main problem is getting lefties out and he has the stuff to do it as well as the determination to succeed it means he can figure it out. I expect real good things out of this kid, hopefully he can stay healthy.

by Team Moneyball on Mar 25, 2007 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions