Baltimore traded to acquire Travis Snider from the Pirates. Under Dan Duquette, the Orioles have brought in players that don’t often look that great overall, but have some ability that Buck Showalter can adapt to the team. So when the Orioles make a move, take a close look at what the player can do, not what he can’t.

Snider, however, doesn’t do much. He can draw a walk, but doesn’t offer much in terms of hits or power. His defense isn’t much to write home about, so what do the Orioles see?

The batting split that stands out to me has to do with location. With both Toronto and Pittsburgh, Snider hit much better at home, much, much better at home with the Pirates. While this could be a sample size issue, it’s possible there is something about being on the road that bothers Snider’s play. Maybe he doesn’t sleep well in hotels. Maybe he parties too hard when he’s away. If the Orioles discovered a reason for the poor road play and can correct it, Snider suddenly looks like a better player.

It will be interesting to see how he is used, and if his home road splits with the Orioles even out.