Question for the Record - CF Prospects
http://0rz.net/e31zk
by Brian J Oliver
Nationals Farm Authority Staff Writer
Monday, May 22, 2006 @ 7:43 PM
In an effort to add a bit more content beyond the Farm Authority Reports
(read that “blatantly suck up to the readers here at NFA”), I'm going to
try out a new weekly feature, the “Question for the Record (QFR).”
The inaugural QFR is in response to an email from reader, Sean Waltman. His
question: How good/what type of CF prospects are Justin Maxwell and Frank
Diaz?
Background
Frank Diaz, 6'2" 180 - R/R - 10/6/83: The Venzuelan native was signed as a
non-drafted free agent pitcher on July 4, 2000. He was added to the Nationals
’ 40-man roster in 2005. The 22-year old Diaz is in his fifth season in the
Expos/Nationals system as the starting CF for the AA Harrisburg Senators.
Justin Maxwell, 6'5" 225 - R/R 11/6/83: The Olney, MD native was a 4th
round draft pick in the 2005 First Year Player Draft out of the University of
Maryland. The 22-year old Maxwell signed late in the 2005 season (too late to
play) and is currently on the DL in Savannah with a broken toe.
Strengths/Weaknesses
Diaz
His calling card is his defense. He is arguably the best defensive OF in the
Nationals organization. The Nats originally had him as a RF from 2000-2004,
and he made a seamless transition from RF to CF in winter ball 2004. He has
shown a tremendous arm and has taken charge in CF. On offense, In four minor
league seasons, he's put up a 277/321/430 line. Diaz exhibits a combination
of power with the bat (76 XBH in 2005 including 45 doubles) with just enough
speed to make him a threat (73SB in 102 career attempts). He is still
learning pitch recognition/plate discipline as demonstrated by a nearly 3/1
K/BB ratio from 2000 to 2005.
Maxwell
His career has been punctuated by flashes of brilliance and freaky injuries.
In 103 career games in college park, Maxwell posted a 299/404/518 line with
16HR and 24/32 SB. He made his biggest impact in the Cape Cod League, a
summer league where the top college prospects play with wooden bats. He hit
307 in 153AB with 2HR and 9/11 SB against some of the top college pitchers.
His biggest problem has been (and still is) staying healthy. He has had a
laundry list of odd injuries that have kept him from fully developing. A
pitch broke his right arm costing him the 2004 season. During his recovery in
the 2004 Cape Cod League, he was hit by another pitch, breaking a finger.
Another injury in 2005, a broken hamate bone curtailed his 2005 season. And
now, a broken toe has put him on the shelf in Savannah for three to four
weeks.
Today and into the Future
Diaz
He offers the greatest near-term return on investment. In 42 games in
Harrisburg, Diaz is hitting 289/325/434 with 4HR and 3/5 SB. His abilities at
the plate are showing improvement as he is learning to recognize pitches
better and is slowly improving his strikezone discipline (9BB/24K). His
defense is still above average with only one error and from reports still
demonstrating great range. Expect to see him remain in Harrisburg, close to
the big league club, where the organization can keep a close eye on his
progress. A promotion to the majors when rosters expand in September is not
out of the question. With the future of CF up for grabs in Washington, Diaz
has every opportunity to be a serious competitor for not just a bench spot in
2007, but perhaps an outside shot at winning the job outright.
Maxwell
His first order of business is to get healthy. Maxwell only appeared in 14G
for the Sand Gnats batting 163/293/347 in 49AB. He showed flashes of ability,
five of his eight hits in 2006 have gone for extra bases. Until he can
demonstrate the “ability” to stay off the DL, it will be difficult to
project just how far he can go. If he makes the major leagues, I do not
believe it will be in CF, a shift to RF may be necessary.
Frank Diaz
Year Level Age G AB H 2B HR RBI SB CS BB SO AVG OBP SLG OPS
01 R 17 38 128 28 5 0 8 10 3 12 27 .219 .291 .273 .564
02 R 18 50 172 47 8 5 24 8 5 19 28 .273 .367 .430 .797
A+ 18 10 31 7 2 0 1 3 0 6 4 .226 .351 .290 .641
03 A 19 122 440 119 28 7 49 19 4 15 73 .270 .298 .400 .698
04 A+ 20 114 413 100 17 8 57 16 6 31 76 .242 .303 .380 .683
05 A+ 21 134 554 173 45 16 74 14 9 20 67 .312 .342 .498 .840
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◆ From: 61.228.179.85
※ 編輯: VaROne 來自: 61.228.179.85 (06/25 15:14)
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