The Twins announced their 25-man Opening Day roster today, and one player who didn't make the cut was left-hander Scott Diamond. Manager Ron Gardenhire told MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger that they're now trying to work out a deal with the Braves to keep the Rule 5 Draft pick in the organization (Twitter link).
Diamond, 24, allowed one run in six innings this spring, but he walked six and struck out just two. Baseball America ranked him as the 29th-best prospect in the Twins' system in the 2011 edition of their Prospect Handbook, saying Diamond throws four pitches but has the ceiling of a fourth or fifth starter. They predicted that he'd fill a long relief or lefty specialist role had he made the club.
Atlanta originally signed Diamond as an undrafted free agent back in 2007. If the Twins are unable to work out a trade to keep him, he would have to first clear waivers and be offered back to the Braves before he could go to the minors.
Twins must really see something in him to want to keep him so badly.
Four pitches as a lefty, and he gets groundballs. Plus, he’s had an ERA under 4 every single year in the minors. He’s not the greatest, but like BA said, he appears to have the ceiling of a 4th-5th starter.
By the way, I believe it was announced that Diamond already cleared waivers.
Also, he already cleared waivers so it isn’t like the Twins will have to give up a King’s ransom to keep him. Word is either a non-prospect or just straight cash.
I was hoping for Slowey for Diamond.
Really?
I would hope, but I know it would never happen, so I used sarcasm.
you’re nuts!
My therapist and me are working on that.
It unfortunate the Twins didn’t have room for him. He looked sharp and probably deserves a shot in the big leagues. Dusty Hughes has been lights out this spring with 11 scoreless and Glen Perkins has had a very good spring with a 1.80 ERA. With Mijares already on board, the Twins just didn’t need another lefty. I hope they can work something out so he can stay in the organization and maybe replace Perkins in the pen if he struggles.
Forgive me, MLBTR:
Seems like the Twins think they might’ve found….
A Diamond in the rough.
Brilliant.
Scott Diamond for 1000 gallons of Tiger Blood…..But in all seriousness, It will be a low to mid grade prospect or straight cash for him
Glad to see them working on something. I like the potential of this kid but unfortunately for him the Twins have all the bullpen arms they need as of now (Nathan, Capps, Mijares, Hughes, Slowey, Perkins, Hoey/Manship).
I would like to see the Twins get to keep Diamond for just cash considerations.
Since the twins did not keep him on the 25 man roster, the Braves are entitled to him if they want him right? So whatever the trade is it would have to be more than the 25k right?
If I was the Braves, I’d keep Diamond, and maybe dump Sherrill if he struggles for Diamond in the pen
Remember that the Braves just lost two lefty relievers on waivers. I would assume they would want him back. Besides if he is near major league ready why would they trade hime for something less than a major league ready player?
Frank Wren is pretty good at trades. Look what we got Dan Uggla for!!! He’ll figure something out here.
If they see potential, feel free. We can toss in another prospect too if you give us an upgrade over Sherrill.
He’ll get a job somewhere; he was Liz Taylor’s best friend.