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Sandy - Raleigh's picture

Yes, it's important not to read too much into a single start.  But, as for Snell "never" showing command ...
Minor league aggregate line: 8.9-K/9; 2.4-BB/9; 0.6-HR/9
AAA season (age 23 - 112-IP); 8.4-K/9; 1.8-BB/9; 1.1-HR/9
In point of fact, from his first day in the minors, Snell *NEVER* walked more than 3 guys per 9 in ANY season, (excluding the 37 IP this year, when he had a 3.1, but did that with 47 Ks and 0.96 ERA). 
In 2007, he managed a 2.9 BB/9 rate in the majors.  Honestly, go and look at Snell's 2007 numbers and compare them to Felix in 2008.  (And yes, Snell had the advantage of NL vs. AL, so I'm not saying he was talented as Felix).  But, I am saying that the difference between Felix *ONE YEAR AGO* versus Snell two years ago was VERY, VERY small.
In point of fact, the REASON I picked Snell back in '05/'06 as the next great pitcher was BECAUSE of the 1.8 walk rate he posted in AAA that season.
Ironically, I think Snell's problems probably are related to his mechanical flaws - but not in the way the technical perfectionists think.  My belief is that once upon a time, he had EXCEPTIONAL control despite all of his flaws.  And I think the Pirate organization, (well known for screwing up pitching talent), has tweaked him into a complete mental meltdown.  I think he spent all of 2008 going up to the plate thinking of the 400 bits of advice about all the things he's DOING WRONG. 
If he pitched well the other night because he was sick, that makes my point.  Under the weather, athletes STOP thinking and just let their talent take over. 
What I saw when Snell was "on" back in '06 and '07 was an ability to make EVERY right hand hitter look like Beltre with his slider away.  But, then he'd throw the FB in the same spot, and have them completely locked up.  IMO, you want to fix him --- you pick one, AND ONLY ONE thing about him that you want to tweak, and concentrate solely and exclusively on that.  The point is actually not even about getting to fix that, but to quiet his mind and simplify things for him, so he can allow his talent to re-emerge.  MAYBE, he actually gets that one thing fixed eventually.  But, I am firmly convinced that on a physical/mental assessment of where Snell's problems lie, I'd bet money it's 85% mental, and only 15% physical.  (Which is why his upside is so huge, but the odds of ever seeing that is very low).
 

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