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Ex-Leopard standout back on MLB radar

Righty Bert Snow signs a minor-league contract with the Padres.

By DAVID MURPHY
Published December 23, 2005

BROOKSVILLE - One of the finest pitchers ever to come out of Hernando High will get another shot at the big leagues.

Bert Snow, a 1995 graduate, signed a minor-league contract with the San Diego Padres late last week after a strong season playing for an independent-league team.

"He was great for the ball club; he's a great leader," said Bob Flori, who was Snow's manager this past summer with the Shreveport Sports. "I was real happy with him. I'm very happy he's getting a chance to go back."

The 28-year-old right-hander has been on the verge of making it to the major leagues on several occasions, only to be derailed by injuries. A 10th-round pick by the Oakland Athletics in the 1998 draft, he quickly established himself as one of the organization's most promising relievers.

In 2000, Snow led the organization with 27 saves and late in the season was promoted to Triple-A Sacramento. But an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery sidelined him for the 2001 season.

In 2004, Snow was at Double-A Midland when he developed scar tissue in his elbow that required surgery.

"He's very excited ... more excited than he's been in a long time," said Snow's father, Brooksville attorney Bruce Snow. "He's been through three major surgeries, he's been trying to fight back over those. He thinks he's finally back."

Earlier this year, he signed with Shreveport, an independent team that plays in the Central Baseball League. To build up more innings on his arm, Snow moved from the bull pen into a starting role. He started 20 games for the Sports and compiled an 11-6 record with a 3.92 ERA. He was second in the league with 122 strikeouts and he walked just 25 batters. Opponents batted .236 against him and he tallied three complete games.

Flori said Snow, who relies primarily on his fastball and slider, has been working on developing a change up. He said his velocity has typically been in between 88 and 92 mph.

"He's a good one," Flori said. "I'm very pleased. He was my No. 1 starter. He kept getting better and better as he went on ... I think he is going to throw better than he did last year."

A San Diego scout worked out Snow at Hernando High last week and apparently came away convinced he is healthy.

"He's going to have to get back and prove that he's healthy," Bruce Snow said.

Now, he has the chance.

[Last modified December 23, 2005, 01:13:18]