2k17: Aledmys Diaz

[Sharky]

I don't hear anyone talking about this guy. And if the Cardinals really had faith in him, they wouldn't have acquired Ruben Tejada. But is it possible Diaz stakes out a real role as a contributor, or even as a regular?

[YourPalChrisMal]

I don't hear anyone talking about this guy. And if the Cardinals really had faith in him, they wouldn't have acquired Ruben Tejada. But is it possible Diaz stakes out a real role as a contributor, or even as a regular?

Maybe but the better bet is that he sticks as the short side of a platoon. There haven't been any signs that Wong ever learns to hit lefties. I think Diaz at least gets the SS at-bats when facing a lefty, with Gyorko sliding over to 2B. Peralta is coming back eventually, and as you said if they had a lot of confidence in Diaz, they wouldn't have signed Tejada in the first place who also will be back.

As a point of interest, don't forget that it was just about 1 year ago today that the Cardinals had so much confidence in Diaz's future that they designated him for assignment, and he went unclaimed through waivers...telling you that other teams didn't think much of him either. He had an OK year after that putting himself back on the radar, but the Cardinals actions in everything surrounding him over the last year or so don't give much hint that they think much of him.

[joncarlos]

Tejada is out a while, and I think Diaz is a better SS than Gyorko, so yeah, maybe some time against lefties and as a defensive replacement.

[onejayhawk]

I was going to do this last week and ran of of time.

My major concern was that he would essentially be Jedd Gyorko II. Since he will be playing SS, that does not enter into it much.

He's not an underage kid from DR. He's already a year older than they hoped for when they signed him from Cuba. That said, the word I had is that the earned a trip north in camp but was caught in a numbers squeeze. If that is the case, he may play a lot.

Fangraphs. #10

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/evaluating-the-2016-prospects-st-louis-cardinals/

J

[Sharky]

Thanks, all. Will be interesting to see how it plays. Seems like he can hit, but small sample size so far.

[revo]

If you're scoring at home, he's 10 for his last 12 and hitting .490 on the year!

[Sharky]

A friend saw him hit in spring training and said the ball sounded hot coming off the bat. I'm pretty pumped I picked him up. Could be a huge contributor and is looking like a potential keeper for next year too.

[onejayhawk]

I guess the defense is not what they want but they have to play the bat.

He's been a very nice MI pickup so far. If Story goes on ice, he may be more than that. To think I planned on Ketel Marte carrying the water.

J

[Sharky]

I'm not a believer, myself. I'd be surprised if he's the starter all year long, frankly. The kid was DFA'd in the minors less than a year ago......in order to make room for Dan Johnson, lol. Not really a prospect, not really a plus defender at short, not really very much beyond a very small sample of clearly unsustainable production.


Edit: Sharky, I hope for your sake I'm wrong. I just don't see it, though. I don't own any shares so it certainly wouldn't break my heart to see him do well. Maybe he did turn a corner with his bat recently. You never know, I suppose.

I hope you're wrong too. No way to know at this point. However, Diaz was a Cuban / international signee. I think he was known for some production there.

[revo]

I'm not a believer, myself. I'd be surprised if he's the starter all year long, frankly. The kid was DFA'd in the minors less than a year ago......in order to make room for Dan Johnson, lol. Not really a prospect, not really a plus defender at short, not really very much beyond a very small sample of clearly unsustainable production.


Edit: Sharky, I hope for your sake I'm wrong. I just don't see it, though. I don't own any shares so it certainly wouldn't break my heart to see him do well. Maybe he did turn a corner with his bat recently. You never know, I suppose.

With Peralta coming back in the next 4-to-6 weeks, I'd assume he gets his job back. That said, it was just three weeks ago the Cards were scrambling for a SS (Jed Gyorko??) and now they appear to have a solid short-term option.

[revo]

Another 2-for-3 with a HR tonight. He's now a stunning 29-for-61 (.475) to start his career. I'm not sure I've ever encountered a better BA start to a player's career. Anyone have a membership to Baseball-Reference who can do a PI check?

[onejayhawk]

This is getting ridiculous for a #8 hitter.

J

[Judge Jude]

Hurricane Hazle?

Tommy Holmes?

Shane Spencer?

Mike Vail?

Trevor Story?

Diaz was picked late in our April 2015 draft. sleepers need not apply

[revo]

It's May 3rd and Diaz leads the majors in both SLG and OPS. He actually has more XBHs than Trout or Goldschmidt and just as many as Arenado.

[onejayhawk]

Hurricane Hazle?

Tommy Holmes?

Shane Spencer?

Mike Vail?

Trevor Story?

Diaz was picked late in our April 2015 draft. sleepers need not apply

Didn't Spencer have more HR than singles when he came up?

It's May 3rd and Diaz leads the majors in both SLG and OPS. He actually has more XBHs than Trout or Goldschmidt and just as many as Arenado.

I own Goldy. Tell me about it. I also have a perfectly usable Ketel Marte parked on the bench because of Story and Diaz.

J