Houston Astros decline Chris Snyder’s option, look to further trim roster - MLB News
The chopping and changing at the Houston Astros continues. The latest one is the decline of $4 million mutual option by the club on the veteran catcher Chris Snyder. The Astros will buy him out for $500,000. The Houston native will now be a free agent and
it looks like his hometown stint only lasted a year.
The switch hitter was brought into the team to backup Jason Castro who missed all of 2011 season due to a knee injury. Snyder had a below par season with a batting average of .176 in 221 at-bats. The 6ft 4in hitter managed seven home-runs and 24 RBI’s. He
was a part of the starting line-up in 76 games in 2012 Major League season. His hefty contract that was costing the Astros $4 million a year with his dwindling numbers certainly helped the club to make the call.
Chris has been playing in the Major League for nine seasons now. His performance in the season was well below his career average. Snyder’s career hitting average is .225 and on average has managed 33 RBI’s per season.
It is expected that the Houston Astros will not be spending a great deal on new signings but are likely to get a couple of big names who can perform to lift the team in the upcoming season. Such players will also be useful in helping the youngsters in the
team improve their game.
Although the general manager of the Houston Astros’ Jeff Luhnow is not making any promises, it is likely that the backup catcher spot will go to Carlos Corporan.
"We like the job Corporan did, and certainly he'll get a chance to come to camp and compete as the backup to Castro," He said. The general manager also stated that it was likely that the team will further trim its roster ahead of the start of free agency
period.
Some quarters have suggested that adding Nick Swisher can be very helpful for the team. There are also calls for strengthening the pitching unit, ideally adding at least one experienced starting pitcher who can lead the pack.
The coaching staff is likely to be finalised in the next few days as well by Tuesday, prior to Luhnow leaving for the annual general manager’s meeting which will be taking place in Indian Wells, California. There are two primary positions that are still
vacant in the coaching staff of the newly appointed Astros’ manager Bo Porter.
"It could be Saturday, Sunday or Monday, but we’re trying to get something done by Tuesday before I make the trip," Luhnow said.
The Houston Astros are making changes that are required for the team to move forward. Some of these will be hard to swallow for everyone. In order to get this team back in order and out of the bottom spot, there are not too many options for the management
other than playing hardball.
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