Billy Rowell vs. Brandon Snyder

[DennisTheOsFan]

I want to ask you all for your opinion. From a hitting standpoint, and considering all aspects of hitting (i.e.making good contact, power, hitting to all fields, bat speed, pitch recognition, plate discipline, etc.) who has better tools--Brandon Snyder or Billy Rowell?

Obviously, Snyder is having success now, after struggling last year and early this year (battling injuries), so some might quickly jump to the conclusion that Snyder has better tools at the plate than Rowell. That may not be true because its possible that Rowell has better tools but just hasn't put it together yet. Or it may be true, that Rowell doesn't have as much tools as Snyder (or as much as we hoped he'd have) and that's partially why he's struggling.

Say you get both in a batting cage and observe them hitting. Does Rowell give you the impression that he could one day be a MLB hitter? Snyder is taking his first steps towards this realization, as he has been hitting the ball well. Does Rowell have unharnessed hitting ability to match Snyder's level, or exceed them if given more time to develop? Or has Jordan mistaken his potential?

I'm just wondering because Rowell has been struggling mightily all season. I know he's a bit young for the high A level, but I'm just hoping that he has more potential than what we're seeing from him. And if he's got better tools than Snyder, but just hasn't figured it out yet, then I'm just going to be patient and hold tight, and hope it comes together for him like it has for Snyder.

[Ruzious]

You'd have to get a batting cage that throws curves, sliders, and changeups. Lots of guys who can't hit offspeed stuff - and have no MLB potential - look great in batting cages.

[catfishncwc]

You'd have to get a batting cage that throws curves, sliders, and changeups. Lots of guys who can't hit offspeed stuff - and have no MLB potential - look great in batting cages.

They are called 5:30 Hitters. BP is at 5:30 and come 7:00 they are not good hitters anymore.

[Tony-OH]

I want to ask you all for your opinion. From a hitting standpoint, and considering all aspects of hitting (i.e.making good contact, power, hitting to all fields, bat speed, pitch recognition, plate discipline, etc.) who has better tools--Brandon Snyder or Billy Rowell?

Obviously, Snyder is having success now, after struggling last year and early this year (battling injuries), so some might quickly jump to the conclusion that Snyder has better tools at the plate than Rowell. That may not be true because its possible that Rowell has better tools but just hasn't put it together yet. Or it may be true, that Rowell doesn't have as much tools as Snyder (or as much as we hoped he'd have) and that's partially why he's struggling.

Say you get both in a batting cage and observe them hitting. Does Rowell give you the impression that he could one day be a MLB hitter? Snyder is taking his first steps towards this realization, as he has been hitting the ball well. Does Rowell have unharnessed hitting ability to match Snyder's level, or exceed them if given more time to develop? Or has Jordan mistaken his potential?

I'm just wondering because Rowell has been struggling mightily all season. I know he's a bit young for the high A level, but I'm just hoping that he has more potential than what we're seeing from him. And if he's got better tools than Snyder, but just hasn't figured it out yet, then I'm just going to be patient and hold tight, and hope it comes together for him like it has for Snyder.

Rowell has top of the scale power, Snyder probably a tick below. Rowell bats left-handed compared to Snyder's right-handed. After that though, Snyder has all the other advantages. Snyder is more balanced at the plate, has better pitch recognition, a much shorter swing, and hits to all fields a bit better than Rowell.

Saying that, don't give up on Rowell yet. I'd say he's moved below Snyder as a prospect due to Snyder's great year, but if Rowell ever shortens up his swing a bit and fills out physically, he still has the potential to be a very good hitter.

[Frobby]

Rowell has top of the scale power, Snyder probably a tick below. Rowell bats left-handed compared to Snyder's right-handed. After that though, Snyder has all the other advantages. Snyder is more balanced at the plate, has better pitch recognition, a much shorter swing, and hits to all fields a bit better than Rowell.

Saying that, don't give up on Rowell yet. I'd say he's moved below Snyder as a prospect due to Snyder's great year, but if Rowell ever shortens up his swing a bit and fills out physically, he still has the potential to be a very good hitter.

Just remember:

Snyder at 19: .194/.237/.340 at Delmarva, .234/.267/.334 at Aberdeen following demotion.

Rowell at 19: .236/.302/.360 at Frederick.

Now, Snyder had a shoulder injury that severely hampered him that year. However, he's a reminder of how much can change between age 19 and age 21. Rowell's playing at a higher level than Snyder had attained at that age, or even at age 20. He's still got time to get it together.

[Tony-OH]

Just remember:

Snyder at 19: .194/.237/.340 at Delmarva, .234/.267/.334 at Aberdeen following demotion.

Rowell at 19: .236/.302/.360 at Frederick.

Now, Snyder had a shoulder injury that severely hampered him that year. However, he's a reminder of how much can change between age 19 and age 21. Rowell's playing at a higher level than Snyder had attained at that age, or even at age 20. He's still got time to get it together.

Maybe you misunderstood the thread. It asked for a scouting report of the two and that's what I gave them. I didn't make any comments about Rowell/Snyder at the same age or anything else and I really don't think I need to be reminded of stuff like that because a very aware of their ages and level of competition.

[rooter]

Maybe you misunderstood the thread. It asked for a scouting report of the two and that's what I gave them. I didn't make any comments about Rowell/Snyder at the same age or anything else and I really don't think I need to be reminded of stuff like that because a very aware of their ages and level of competition.

Somebody's a little touchy. I don't think he was challenging your knowledge. Just Frobby being Frobby. :laughlol:

[Tony-OH]

Somebody's a little touchy. I don't think he was challenging your knowledge. Just Frobby being Frobby. :laughlol:

You're probably right... :D

[DennisTheOsFan]

So two of his problems (among possible others) are his longer swing and being unbalanced in his stance?

How likely is he to correct these problems?

[Leitch]

So two of his problems (among possible others) are his longer swing and being unbalanced in his stance?

How likely is he to correct these problems?

If we knew that we'd have jobs waiting in the FO of any MLB team

[NoVaO]

Rowell has top of the scale power, Snyder probably a tick below. Rowell bats left-handed compared to Snyder's right-handed. After that though, Snyder has all the other advantages. Snyder is more balanced at the plate, has better pitch recognition, a much shorter swing, and hits to all fields a bit better than Rowell.

Saying that, don't give up on Rowell yet. I'd say he's moved below Snyder as a prospect due to Snyder's great year, but if Rowell ever shortens up his swing a bit and fills out physically, he still has the potential to be a very good hitter.

Why does he hit the ball on the ground so much? Is it the pitch recognition, him rolling over pitches, etc.?

I gotta think there is some sort of inconsistency in his swing (in addition to everything else you have mentioned) given how much power he's gotten out of his his big body.

[mellon002]

I have been following these two for a while and last season I got to see them play in Delmarva. Here was my impression of the two. Keep in mind that this was just over a year ago. It sounds pretty similar to what Tony had to say...


I attended my first Shorebirds game a couple of nights ago when Snyder hit the walk off homer in the 10th. I figured I would post a few thoughts on Rowell and Snyder. I realize it's only one game so take it for what it's worth.

I must admit that I almost was ready to give up on Snyder after his slow start this year but I was very obviously wrong. He went 3-5, I think, with the home run but had two very well hit, line drive singles. I don't think I realized how thick he is; very strong. He looked very polished at the plate while Rowell appears to be much more raw. He was DH for the game so I didn't see him in the field.

Rowell seems to have the tools. Obviously his glove needs improvement, he misplayed a ball that could have been ruled an error. I think he went 0-4 on the night with a walk. He might have the higher ceiling than Snyder, but at this point, Snyder is the better player and ought to be moved to Fredrick at the end of the season while Rowell should probably stick it out at Delmarva. Rowell could also put on some extra weight to help his power but that will come in time. Long way to go for an 18 year old but we should still be excited about his potential.

All in all I think I was very excited to see how talented Snyder is and how much potential Rowell has. Matching them up with Wieters and Markakis means the O's could have a very solid middle of the lineup in the future.

http://forum.orioleshangout.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1005309#post1005309

[jeffstonefan]

I've been to four Keys games this year and not once have I seen Rowell hit the ball hard. I'm not just refering to a clean hit, but no solid contact yet either. (mostly cue shots and dribblers). I realize its a small sample size, but from what limited action I've seen he has a long way to go. I hope he gets it together next season and I'm rooting for him.