Rays rookie lefty Snell drawing raves
PORT CHARLOTTE — One week into spring-training camp and rookie lefthander Blake Snell is receiving high marks from those who have batted against him and those who caught him.
Catcher Rene Rivera faced Snell on Sunday during live batting practice.
“He’s unreal,” Rivera said. “It’s early in the year, early in camp, but his fastball, it gets on you really quick.”
Catcher Curt Casali caught Snell during live batting practice and is impressed with how well Snell can locate his pitches.
“He attacks the zone, which is really cool to see,” Casali said. “A young guy like that, coming into his first camp, just being able to shove it in there with the best of them, I was definitely impressed with that part.”
Manager Kevin Cash said he understands why Snell was named the 2015 minorleague player of the year after going 15-4 with a 1.41 ERA and 163 strikeouts in 25 games (with 23 starts) at three levels in the Rays chain.
“He definitely fits the bill,” Cash said. “The way I describe it, he looks like a 12-year-old throwing 98 miles an hour out there and locating all of his pitches. He’s a lot to be excited about.”
Cash said the hitters have the same reaction after facing Snell.
“There’s not a pitch that he throws that is not a highquality pitch, but then you do take into consideration every hitter walks back and is like, ‘ Man, it gets on you quick.’ It should — because it’s 95,” Cash said, “but that extra element right as it’s crossing the strike zone, a lot of guys have commented
“The way I describe it, he looks like a 12-year-old throwing 98 miles an hour out there and locating all of his pitches.” Rays manager Kevin Cash on rookie P Blake Snell
on.”
Snell receives plenty of attention on the days he throws, with teammates, coaches and front-office personnel crowding behind home plate.
But the 23-year-old said that is not a distraction.
“I see it. I definitely do see it,” Snell said. “But it doesn’t really bother me. Once I start throwing I forget and get into my own zone. That’s where it’s at.”
Casali said Snell reminds him of right-hander Jake Odorizzi.
“Just how his demeanor is — not a whole lot of emotion,” Casali said. “The same windup, same delivery every single time, catches the ball normally on the way back if he made a good pitch or a bad pitch. So that’s a good thing for him.”
Snell is working on his two-seam fastball.
He’s also mixed in his curveball, changeup and slider Sunday.
“I feel good. Really, really good,” Snell said. “I’m exciting about it. I like the swings I’m seeing. I feel I’m locked in right now and am excited for what’s to come.” So are his teammates. “Definitely good to know he’s pitching for us,” Rivera said.