Stint with 51s gives Snider chance to work on swing

When Travis Snider was demoted from Toronto to Las Vegas in 2009, the burly outfielder was upset with the decision.

But Snider, who the Blue Jays optioned to the 51s on Thursday for the first time in two years, has a much different attitude this time.

"For me, it was about embracing the decision," the 23-year-old said Monday before the 51s' 12-8 loss to Reno at Cashman Field. "I could sit here and be angry like I was in 2009 when I got sent down or I can look at it full circle.

"We've been at points like this in my career in the past. It's another opportunity to relearn my swing and relearn myself as a person, to deal with some adversity here and hopefully get out of here as soon as possible."

Snider, who was batting .184 with one homer and 12 RBIs in 25 games with Toronto, is all too familiar with adversity.

Growing up in Washington state, he lost a grandfather, a grandmother, a close friend and one of his youth coaches in a span of a few years.

Then came the biggest blow in 2007, during Snider's second pro season, when his mother died in a car accident.

"I didn't expect to be (in Triple-A), but again life throws things at us that we're not prepared for," Snider said. "Looking back at the way I've dealt with things in the past, it's an opportunity to grow and learn."

The 14th overall pick in the 2006 draft, Snider made his major league debut in 2008 with Toronto, batting .301 with 13 RBIs in 24 games.

He hit .241 with nine homers and 29 RBIs in 77 games for the Blue Jays in 2009, when he batted .337 with 14 homers and 40 RBIs in 48 games for the 51s.

Last year, he hit .255 for Toronto and set career highs for games (82), doubles (20), homers (14) and RBIs (32). He had a 12-game hitting streak in September during which he hit .373 with five homers.

Snider (6 feet, 233 pounds) said the Blue Jays sent him down to work on some changes to his swing. He's been getting beat by fastballs and getting out in front of offspeed pitches.

"It's really more about relaxing and simplifying everything that goes into getting ready for your swing," he said.

So far, Snider is thriving with the 51s, going 4-for-4 with an RBI and walk in his debut Saturday. He was 2-for-4 with an RBI infield single Monday and is 7-for-11 (.636) for the 51s.

■ NOTES -- The 51s fell to 10-15. Reno is 16-8. ... Outfielder Darin Mastroianni was sent to Double-A New Hampshire.

Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0354.