Snodgress Close to No-No for Birmingham

While last night’s White Sox game was a dud, the news throughout the system wasn’t all bad. In fact, there was some mighty good news, as AA left-hander Scott Snodgress just missed tossing a no-hitter, losing his bid in the ninth inning in Birmingham’s 7-0 win. Snodgress lost his bid with one out in the final frame when Chattanooga Lookouts (Dodgers affiliate) catcher Matt Wallach singled. He allowed just the one hit and three walks while striking out five. He did not earn the complete game, however, as Barons manager Julio Vinas pulled Snodgress after the single. He was at 105 pitches. The left-hander is a name we haven’t highlighted much this year despite being 10-7 and earning Southern League All-Star honors. You may remember him from back in Spring Training, though, as he made three appearances and one start for Robin Ventura, recording a 5.40 ERA. MLB.com has Snodgress the sixth rated prospect in the White Sox system and the highest rated pitcher after Erik Johnson. Given his high ceiling and mid-90s fastball, starts like Monday shouldn’t be viewed as flashes in the pan for Snodgress, as they are flashes of his potential. The 2011 fifth round draft pick has the heater and the body (6’6, 225) to pitch in the big leagues someday soon (23 years old), as it’s his command and secondary pitches that have needed work. You don’t throw a no-hitter without having those things working for you (unless you are Edwin Jackson with the Diamondbacks in 2010), so it’s great to see Snodgress take some big leaps forward. Depending on his progression what trades and moves shake down between now and next Spring, he’s a guy who could be competing for a roster spot next season. Snodgress wasn’t the only good thing for the Barons last night, as his performance actually overshadowed one almost as impressive by a position player. Shortstop and leadoff man Marcus Semien homered twice and drove in four runs. Also, outfielder Keenyn Walker (who is still hitting below the Mendoza line) made a diving catch in the eighth inning to preserve Snodgress’ no-hitter.