Daver
07-28-2002, 07:22 PM
From Baseball America,
5. Felix Diaz, rhp
Age: 20. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 177. Signed: Dominican Republic, 1998. Signed by: Giants Dominican program.
Background: The Giants have redoubled their Latin American efforts the last four years, and Diaz is the crown jewel of their work. He missed 21Ž2 months with a tender arm as a precaution in 2001, his first full season, but came back with a dominant effort in the Arizona Fall League.
Strengths: Diaz’ fastball regularly reaches 95-96 mph, and he showed good command of it before his temporary layoff. Diaz throws three complementary pitches for strikes: a hard slider in the mid-80s, a plus changeup with good sink and a decent curveball. All his pitches have life down in the zone. Diaz has become more consistent and slower with his delivery, leading to better command of his changeup and curve. He takes his craft seriously.
Weaknesses: The Giants want to be careful with Diaz. He could use more pro innings but also must show his small frame can hold up under a heavier workload. Sometimes he’s too hard on himself, though that has improved with maturity.
The Future: Diaz’ power potential is exciting. He’s the latest slight Dominican with an electric arm to earn comparisons to Pedro Martinez. He’ll pitch in high Class A this year.
2001 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H BB SO
Hagerstown (A) 1 4 3.66 15 12 0 0 52 49 16 56
5. Felix Diaz, rhp
Age: 20. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 177. Signed: Dominican Republic, 1998. Signed by: Giants Dominican program.
Background: The Giants have redoubled their Latin American efforts the last four years, and Diaz is the crown jewel of their work. He missed 21Ž2 months with a tender arm as a precaution in 2001, his first full season, but came back with a dominant effort in the Arizona Fall League.
Strengths: Diaz’ fastball regularly reaches 95-96 mph, and he showed good command of it before his temporary layoff. Diaz throws three complementary pitches for strikes: a hard slider in the mid-80s, a plus changeup with good sink and a decent curveball. All his pitches have life down in the zone. Diaz has become more consistent and slower with his delivery, leading to better command of his changeup and curve. He takes his craft seriously.
Weaknesses: The Giants want to be careful with Diaz. He could use more pro innings but also must show his small frame can hold up under a heavier workload. Sometimes he’s too hard on himself, though that has improved with maturity.
The Future: Diaz’ power potential is exciting. He’s the latest slight Dominican with an electric arm to earn comparisons to Pedro Martinez. He’ll pitch in high Class A this year.
2001 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H BB SO
Hagerstown (A) 1 4 3.66 15 12 0 0 52 49 16 56