Snyder signs with the Astros: The Astros signed free agent C Chris Snyder to a one-year deal on Friday. Snyder hit .271 with three homers and a .376 on-base percentage in 96 at-bats with the Pirates last year. He missed most of the season because of back surgery, which he had on June 10. (Updated 01/20/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 2/12/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Snyder will have to contend with up-and-comer Jason Castro for at-bats, but perhaps not right away. According to MLB.com, Castro, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL, likely won't be ready for opening day. Snyder has power and patience, so if he hits well enough, he could secure primary at-bats behind the plate for the Astros. With this signing, he's worth considering as a No. 2 catcher in deeper leagues. (Updated 01/20/2012).
02/08/2012 04:32 2012 Fantasy outlooks: Houston Astros
To say the Houston Astros are rebuilding is an understatement, but they have more than a few surprises in the form of young talent. Michael Hurcomb breaks down the American League-bound franchise in his Fantasy team outlook.
Chris Snyder was considered one of the National League’s top power-hitting catchers early in his career before injuries sidetracked his production. That was also the case last year when he hit .271 with three homers and 17 RBI in 34 games for Pittsburgh before his season ended abruptly in June because of surgery on his lower back. Now, he earns an opportunity to prove his health after joining the Houston Astros on a one-year deal for the 2012 season. Snyder blasted at least 13 homers in a season three times from 2007-2011, but was limited by nagging injuries that stunted his production. He has played in more than 100 games only once since the 2008 season, the same year he belted a career-high 16 homers and drove in 64 runs with Arizona. As the Astros’ highest-paid catcher, he could receive sufficient playing time. However, Houston lacks several offensive threats and Snyder carries a lowly .231 career batting average into the new season. Fantasy owners should consider Snyder merely a late-round option in NL-only formats for the upcoming season. (Updated 2/6/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
