Author Topic: Cubs in '12  (Read 167413 times)

davep

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Re: Cubs in '12
« Reply #10905 on: January 15, 2013, 12:31:03 am »
Spring Training invitee report

Astros instrucional league report

A surprising power arm closed out the game for the Astros, righty Dayan Diaz. The 23-year-old Colombian got ground balls and strikeouts in Lo-A Lexington this season but minor league relievers old for the level have a steep developmental hill to climb. Diaz threw an explosive two-seam fastball with plus life that sat 94-96 and hit 97, backing it up with an 82 mph curveball that he only threw once, but was easily above average and showed plus potential with sharp depth and 11-to-5 tilt.

Diaz is listed at 5’10, 156 pounds and didn’t look much bigger than that. He also has a longer arc to his arm action with a slight stab and a high effort delivery with some herky-jerky in it. Diaz generates the life with his three-quarters slot and takes and angle toward the right-handed batter’s box that, along with the run on his heater, helps give righties fits. While there are clear prospect downsides with age, effort in the delivery and the vagaries of projecting relievers, Diaz showed me late inning upside and is a guy to watch in 2013.

I posted this a couple of days ago.

brjones

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Re: Cubs in '12
« Reply #10906 on: January 15, 2013, 08:51:09 am »
We've heard Bourn has been on the Cubs' backburner all offseason...I wonder if they might push to get something done this week with the convention coming up this weekend.