The Last Slide of Chris Snyder’s Career as a Pittsburgh Pirate?

Neal Huntington

said he hates closing doors, but today it’s decision day. The first decision was to tell Chris Snyder no thanks on his $6.75 million dollar contract option for 2012.

The 30 year old catcher played just 34 games for the Pirates in 2011. We were at the game he tweaked his back for the last time as he attempted to hustle out a double against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

So Snyder gets $750,000 from Bob Nutting, will become a free agent, and will continue to rehab in Arizona.  Snyder was loved by Huntington for his handling of the Pirates pitching staff and something tells me when/if he ever becomes healthy the Bucs would give him another look.

We obviously felt much different about Snyder’s performance as a Bucco.  It was apparent he was playing with an injured back that wasn’t getting any better.  We showed you examples of his poor play, as did Jake at NewBucs.  We fought through the frustration of having Snyder on the roster.

So we don’t know what is worse, the thought of Snyder’s possible return at a bargain rate, or the other names being tossed around on websites.  The bottom line is the Bucs need a catcher.  A real catcher.

Again.