Prospect Profile: #29 Los Angeles Angels Kramer Sneed

Acquired by the Angels in exchange for Vernon Wells, Kramer Sneed came to the Angels as a left-handed starter with a high K/9 rate that might play out in the Angels bullpen down the line. Drafted by the Yankees in the 32nd round of the 2010 draft, Sneed had not yet broken out of High-A ball by the start of the 2013 season.

Sneed throws a low-90s fastball, a mid-80s slider and a plus-changeup that has become his go-to pitch. He has an odd grip on his changeup, holding it similar to a circle change, but leaving it a bit open at the thumb. He applies pressure with his middle finger to make it break.

Coming into 2013, the biggest challenge for Sneed was improving his command. Last season, he did that, dropping his walk total from 40 in 63.2 IP (2012) to 25 in 93.2 IP. Unfortunately, Sneed’s overall numbers don’t show off how good his season truly was. Pre All-Star, Sneed was 7-1 with a 3.12 ERA until he was shut down with elbow tendinitis. He came back late in August for 3 starts, but wasn’t quite up to game speed.

Look for Sneed to start the 2014 season as a starter in Double-A. Sneed profiles as a back of the rotation starter, though he could get moved to the bullpen to provide some lefthanded depth for the Angels down the road.