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January 8, 2008

Future Shock

Blue Jays Top 11 Prospects

by Kevin Goldstein

Five-Star Prospects
1. Travis Snider, OF
Four-Star Prospects
None
Three-Star Prospects
2. Kevin Ahrens, 3B
3. Brett Cecil, LHP
4. John Tolisano, 2B
5. J.P. Arencibia, C
6. Justin Jackson, SS
7. Ricky Romero, LHP
8. Yohermyn Cavez, OF
Two-Star Prospects
9. Robinzon Diaz, C
10. David Purcey, LHP
11. Trystan Magnuson, RHP

Just Missing: Ryan Patterson, OF; Curtis Thigpen, C; Tracey Thorpe, RHP

1. Travis Snider, OF
DOB: 2/2/88
Height/Weight: 5-11/245
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted: 1^st round, 2006, Jackson HS (WA)
2007 Stats: .313/.377/.525 at Low-A (118 G)

Year In Review: The former first-round pick built on his impressive debut by leading the Midwest League in slugging, RBI, and extra-base hits.
The Good: Snider is one of the top hitting prospects in baseball. He has a very patient approach, plus power to all fields, and hits lefties and righties with equal effectiveness--projecting for legitimate MVP-level numbers down the road. He's a hard worker with great makeup who has survived personal adversity and appreciates where he is.
The Bad: Snider is absolutely massive, and will need to watch his conditioning in order to say in a corner, and his speed is a little below average. He could use more aggressiveness at the plate, as he currently works himself into poor hitter's counts while letting not perfect--yet perfectly hittable--pitches go by.
Fun Fact: Snider didn't steal a base after April 28^th, getting caught nine consecutive times thereafter.
Perfect World Projection: A number-three hitter on a championship-level team, and a perennial All-Star.
Timetable: Snider had an outstanding showing in the Arizona Fall League, proving that he's already capable of producing against upper-level pitchers. He'll begin 2008 in the Florida State League, and could be on the verge of a Jay Bruce-like breakout campaign.

2. Kevin Ahrens, 3B
DOB: 4/26/89
Height/Weight: 6-1/190
Bats/Throws: S/R
Drafted: 1^st round, 2007, Memorial HS (TX)
2007 Stats: .230/.321/.339 at Rookie-Level (48 G)