THURSDAY, 8:58pm: Add the A's to the list of teams with interest in Diaz, per the latest from Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. Slusser writes that Oakland had interest in Diaz last year and has maintained that interest, with one official telling her, "We've gathered all the information we can."
The A's don't plan on holding a tryout for Diaz, as the Cardinals did.
Slusser points out that the need for Oakland may not be as strong as it is for other clubs due to the fact that top prospect Addison Russell is a shortstop by trade, and current big league shortstop Jed Lowrie is one of the team's better hitters. Of course, Lowrie is eligible for free agency at season's end.
1:32pm: The Blue Jays worked out Diaz last week, reports Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca, though he notes that there was no indication that the sides were approaching a deal.
Though they may appear at first glance to be a potential landing spot, the Mets are not in on Diaz, reports MLB.com's Anthony DiComo via Twitter.
12:32pm: Diaz and fellow Cuban Odrisamer Despaigne (a right-handed pitcher) continue to make their way around Florida for various showcases, tweets Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com. (They had previously appeared in Arizona for teams that hold their springs there.) The pair is expected to appear in front of the Yankees today, says Sanchez.
8:57am: Other teams participating in talks with Diaz include the Giants, Blue Jays, Yankees, Braves, Phillies, and Mariners, Strauss reports in a follow-up piece.
Torres indicated that his client would focus his decision on maximizing dollars and opportunity. "We know he's going to be in the major leagues," said Torres. "It's only a matter of time. His preference is shortstop, but he's played second and third and I'm sure would be comfortable playing whatever position is necessary."
WEDNESDAY: After a private workout in front of top Cardinals brass today, Cuban shortstop Aledmys Diaz is expected to receive an offer from St. Louis within 24 hours, reports Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Diaz, who is represented by Jaime Torres, has drawn wide interest around the league, but Strauss says that the Cardinals are believed to be among the four clubs that have shown the most interest.
Echoing an earlier report from MLBDailyDish.com's Chris Cotillo (via Twitter) that a signing could come in two or three days, Torres told Strauss that his client is "prepared to move very quickly" in reaching agreement. Diaz is eligible to receive formal offers starting today. Though he is awaiting authorization to play in full-squad spring outings, Diaz has been cleared to play in B games.
The 23-year-old worked out only at short for the Cards, though he has performed on both sides of the bag in front of other clubs. "He's a player we've had interest in for awhile and the next natural step in the process was to put him in front of our people in this setting," said GM John Mozeliak. Of course, the club has already made two significant additions to its infield, signing Jhonny Peralta and Mark Ellis to join a middle-infield mix that already included Kolten Wong and Pete Kozma.
I’m sure there will be NO shortage of offers for Diaz to choose from.
I can see the Jays, Yankees, and Dodgers being strong competition
Yankees have holes at 2B and SS. I can’t imagine them being outbid.
I think the only thing that makes me think yoy could be right is that may be the reason the Yankees have shown so little interest in Drew lately.
If they have a hole at SS next season, then they have one at 3B, 7th inning & 8th inning relievers, #2 starter, LF, closer and DH. Did I miss anything?
Arod will be back, and minor leaguers can definitely fill a couple bullpen roles. The Yankees don’t have one DH in particular and it isn’t necessary to go out and get one in free agency, its been a rotating position for many teams. If Pineda, Phelps, or Warren builds his innings this year and at least be a solid pitcher he could be the fourth starter next year and they might not even have to get one via FA. Sabathia, Tanaka, Nova, Pineda, Banuelos/Turley/Ramirez/Warren/Nuno/Phelps, etc. Not to mention the fact that Robertson and Gardner could easily be extended/resigned. Its not uncommon for a team to have holes entering an offseason, don’t be so pessimistic.
Excellent summary except for Robertson and Gardner being “easily” resigned/extended. I don’t know how easy it will be. Especially if Gardner wants an Ellsbury-like deal.
Excellent summary except for Robertson and Gardner being “easily” resigned/extended. I don’t know how easy it will be. Especially if Gardner wants an Ellsbury-like deal.
I think you can also add a couple more of the West clubs like the Giants and maybe even the Mariners to the list.
Mariners have Adam Miller and Robinson Cano. Doesn’t seem to be a position of need for them.
*Brad Miller
Brad, thank you. I don’t know why I thought it was Adam. And Dustin Ackley to back up second, although I could see him being used as a trade bait. Could we get him if we return Ichiro because I’d sign on the dotted line for that?
Brad, thank you. I don’t know why I thought it was Adam. And Dustin Ackley to back up second, although I could see him being used as a trade bait. Could we get him if we return Ichiro because I’d sign on the dotted line for that?
*Brad Miller
Mariners have Adam Miller and Robinson Cano. Doesn’t seem to be a position of need for them.
the Dodgers have already signed their Cuban ss/2B. .
Cardinals are so under budget I’m not surprised they would pay big money for a player who may spend the majority of the season in the minor leagues.
I doubt they get into a bidding war for any player… Not their style…. Unless they already have the inside track I doubt this is more than due diligence by Cards.
Submitting an official offer is far more than just due diligence. I imagine the front office likes the idea of a 25 year old Diaz taking over SS in 2016 from a 33 year old Peralta, especially with his back loaded, easy-to-move contract by then (2 years, 22.5M)
You mean front-loaded.
I think they proved with the Peralta signing they are willing to pay when it’s needed. Peralta is probably a 2 year stop-gap. If they like Diaz at SS, I think they will be willing to throw a competitive offer at him.
So the Cards are gonna throw big money at a kid and then sit him on bench or stash him in minors for 2 seasons? Makes zero sense to me.
If they feel as though he’s a worthwhile investment, it makes perfect sense. I’m not a Cards fan, but at this point I think it’s foolish to question their decision-making.
He could make it to MLB midseason , depending on how quickly he adjusts.
Peralta can play 3rd, Matt Carpenter can play 2nd. There would be plenty of chances for him to get in the line-up. If you can’t tell, the Cardinals have no problem with having plenty of depth.
Dont get me wrong i want the Cards to build as much depth as possible. I just dont think Diaz will be a Cardinal.
Back before the slotting days, the Cards did just that with several draftees (JD Drew comes to mind), though no — they haven’t made a move like this recently.
Diaz is still probably at least a year off. He could be a starting SS this season but he’s more likely to be like Puig and get called up midseason
If he can play short, the Yankees will bid high. He could play part-time this year and possibly full-time next year. The Yankees can offer far more playing time than the Cards.
I don’t think the Cards are worrying about the cost right now as they are in a good spot payroll wise. Having him spend a year in the minors would work They have a SS now and the position to keep an eye on is 2B. If Wong works out they can see about having Diaz break in slow next year with a platoon and deal Peralta after next year. His contract isn’t that bad that it can’t be dealt. The Cards are in a great place with young talent and no great immediate needs.
If only to assuage the neurotic hand-wringing of Jays fans like me, I hope Alex Anthopolous signs Diaz.
They have gotten close to unbearable since the UJ signing.
Nobody will come to the Jays so long as Gibbons is manager. Might as well have Bobby V as your manager.
And that claim is based on what? Pretty sure players report that they really enjoy playing for him.
What report is that exactly?
What report is that exactly?
Really hope the Blue Jays come out very strong for Diaz. They really need some middle infield depth. He is a young, cost controlled player.
How is he cost controlled when its going to cost premium money to sign? With Jeter retiring the Yanks are going to be on the prowl for a SS.. Money is no issue there. Will the Dodgers attempt to scoop up all the cuban talent out there?
He is going to be a 2B in MLB
Why? He has a cannon for an arm and his weakness is his range.
That’s why they said he is expected to move to second because of his lack of range at SS
I meant it in the following sense: 1) you are not paying for past production; 2) you are paying to get his prime years; 3) he is not going to cost as much as a premium player in FA.
True bit a premium FA is proven player. Not a knock on Diaz but he hasnt proven anything yet.
Money obviously is an issue. They knew they would have a huge gaping hole at 2B and still let Cano leave. The Yankees still spend a lot but they’re not the only team that does it anymore.
The thing is, when the Yankees want a player badly enough. They will overpay and get him. Not many teams have enough money to compete with a desperate Yankee team, but I’m not even sure they really want Diaz. They did not clearly did not want Cano badly enough and offered a higher AAV than the Mariners, so they lost him on years. They spent half a billion dollars on players after Cano left so money is not an issue for them.
The thing is, when the Yankees want a player badly enough. They will overpay and get him. Not many teams have enough money to compete with a desperate Yankee team, but I’m not even sure they really want Diaz. They did not clearly did not want Cano badly enough and offered a higher AAV than the Mariners, so they lost him on years. They spent half a billion dollars on players after Cano left so money is not an issue for them.
I dont think you know how this works
Cbs sports was reporting he was close to signing with the cubs earlier today.
earlier today c b s sports was reporting he was close to signing with the cubs.
Hard to imagine a kid like that choosing the Cards, who JUST signed a SS for several years. And, say, turning down the Yankees …
Hard to imagine a kid choosing an organization like the Cards? Who will always be competing with a chance to win the WS every year?
I meant because they don’t have an opening on the ML roster. Obviously. Sheesh, Cardinal fans are so sensitive …
It didnt read to good lol.
They really are.
They really are.
I dont think he meant it like that. Diaz is going to want to play in the majors asap, and the Cardinals are pretty good on SS and 2B.
He is from Cuba. He probably knows very little about each MLB team even the Yankees. They aren’t allowed to watch things like baseball or even talk about it. It wouldn’t surprise me if he even went to a losing team simply because they offered the most money
I’m sure his agent gave him a good idea of which teams will give him a chance to be on a competitive team.
There are a lot of teams that have a chance to be competitive, but in the end, it will likely come down to who offers the most.
And I’m sure the Cardinal’s will offer more than a fair amount
So will the Yankees, Blue Jays, and probably even the Dodgers
Have you been to Cuba? They know a lot about the strong teams/big name players in the MLB. I go down every year to relax and watch some baseball and every year I sit in a crowd of people with my Jays hat on and they start the baseball conversation… They are very knowledgeable about the game.
Just because the American government will have you believe Cuba is evil and shut out from the rest of the world (like North Korea) that simply isnt the case.
Hes from Cuba, not Mars. He knows who the Yankees are.
You seem to have an uninformed perception of Cuba. When was the last time you were there?
False. They absolutely know what is going on in America.
They aren’t allowed to watch things like baseball or even talk about it.
I never heard anyone say that before. Anyway, béisbol is an absolute obsession among Cubans – no matter which side of the Caribbean you find yourself on. You go to games, you watch it, you talk about it constantly with your family, you argue about it in the park or on the corner with your neighbors and friends, etc. It is most definitely a national pastime and just about everyone tries to keep up with what’s going on with the sport in the big leagues. That is a lot of what fuels players’ desire to escape and play in the U.S.
They signed a SS on the wrong side of 30. He is a one year SS, then could slide to 2nd. The Cards had the money to burn this season and they did it.
Peralta and Carpenter can play multiple positions so it’s not a stretch at all. Peralta is a 1-2 year plan at SS, nothing more.
Truly baffles me that the Mets haven’t even pretended to be interested in him. I mean, it’s not like they badly need a young shortstop or anything…
Agreed. Their closest SS prospect is Cecchini and he’s probably 2+ years away still.
Agreed. Their closest SS prospect is Cecchini and he’s probably 2+ years away still.
Very interesting move, given the commitments made and projections aligning perfectly for the Cardinals. I reckon this would be a move both for depth, situational posturing, and as a fail safe in case Carpenter cannot repeat his success or Wong cannot find his own. Either way, I like it as a Cardinal fan.
hey billy beane,
jump into this mix, a russell and diaz future middle infield could be beastly. diaz gets reunited with his buddy cespedes for a couple seasons. Sogard is decent, but 2b is the one position A’s could use an upgrade
How can the mets not be seriously discussing signing Diaz. He’s a SS with power. I don’t care what his defense is like, he cannot be worse than Tejada. So unless they are serious about Flores going back to short, they cannot feel good about their depth.
I have been hoping for this signing from them for awhile. He’s their profile kind of player. And they don’t really get publicly involved in someone unless they intend to get him.
He’s a good fit.
He’ll be a Yankee. Can’t imagine them not going harder than everyone else after this guy.
I sadly agree….. as a Cards fan I wish that weren’t true, but I just don’t see him not going to the Yankees.
Steinbrenner has tightened the purse strings since Tanaka. There’s a chance if the bidding gets into a relative bidding war.
How are the Mets not in on this guy?!?!
get him, mo
So IF the Cards sign him, where does he go? Double A, Triple A, where? I really don’t see him ready to play in spring training, unless he pulls a Yasiel Puig, and just goes crazy and somehow makes the team, which would be absolutely insane.
Is he the one who compares to Iglesias?
Not really. His strength is his arm and there are some reservations about his range. Which is why I’m confused that so many people are suggesting he’ll play 2B, if he was going to move from SS then 3B makes much more sense given his profile.
that guy signed with the Dodgers.
that guy signed with the Dodgers.
Enrique? I hope, I love that guy’s voice.
Even if the cards get him, and let’s just say he is mlb ready now.
He could platoon with carpenter at third, provide rest for Peralta at short, and he can play short and let Peralta give Holliday rest in left in his first year with the team.
If he’s productive, he will get playing time. Ellis won’t be back in 2015 probably. And Peralta will eventually need to move off short, and the cards don’t have a long term shortstop in the organization. Diaz probably needs a year in Memphis before really being a big impact player in 2015 at 24 years old.
The cards have the budget and potentially the available space for him….and they are obviously competitive.
I doubt they would have him platoon with Carpenter. But i can see him filling in at SS, 3B, and 2B as necessary.
Carpenter will play everyday, but he could still get reps at second against lefties if Ellis isn’t producing and Diaz shows he is mlb ready. Carpenter clearly doesn’t need a platoon partner.
If it’s the Cardinals and this guy is a shortstop.. disaster will surely ensue.. (read: The Cardinals and the shortstop position has been a historical black hole)
A historical black hole? Garry Templeton, Ozzie Smith, Edgar Renteria… heck, even David Eckstein was adequate at the position. Even the shortstops that didn’t hit (Isturis, Ryan) played the position well. I’ll agree that there hasn’t been a shortstop in my memory in the last 10 years that has consistently been in the upper echelon of NL shortstops, but it’s an overstatement to describe the position as a black hole.
Well.. I’ll give you Tempton.. he was the last Cardinals SS drafted..only 40 years ago. Ozzie?.. Padres.. Renteria? Marlins.. It’s not a slam against the Cardinals.. They do perhaps one of the best jobs of drafting and developing players…save for the SS position. Over the years, they’ve been beyond terrible at it.. Thoughts?
There’s a difference between a MLB position being a black hole and the ability to have adequate player development at a position. I agree with you that St. Louis has not been successful at developing shortstops in house, but they’ve handled that by acquiring shortstops through trade and free agency. Let’s split the difference: player development at SS is a black hole, but actual production from the position at the MLB level is a mixed bag.
Agreed… and was the intent and point of my posting..
They did draft Jack Wilson, although traded him while he was in AAA, I think.
Well.. I’ll give you Tempton.. he was the last Cardinals SS drafted..only 40 years ago. Ozzie?.. Padres.. Renteria? Marlins.. It’s not a slam against the Cardinals.. They do perhaps one of the best jobs of drafting and developing players…save for the SS position. Over the years, they’ve been beyond terrible at it.. Thoughts?
If it’s the Cardinals and this guy is a shortstop.. disaster will surely ensue.. (read: The Cardinals and the shortstop position has been a historical black hole)
Glad to see the Yankees involved and wonder if this has anything to do with their lack of interest in Drew. I mean if you can sign a young SS (seems like he can play 2B or 3B as well), then go that route. Hope they sign him, but I feel like you cannot predict where these guys from Cuba will sign. My guess, most money and best opportunity to play in MLB immediately.
According to many of the reports Diaz will require some time in the minors. So I don’t think at least starting the season in the minors will be determining factor. But I do think a team will have to give him a chance sometime this season. Having said that the Yankees certainly have openings at 2nd and 3rd this year and 2nd and SS next year and even possibly 3rd in 2015. Then it’s just a matter of money. I do think the Yankees apparent lack of interest in Drew the past couple of months may be due to Diaz.
After all it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to weigh 2 years of Drew for about $25MM total OR 5 or 6 years of Diaz at $30MM +/-. The answer should be fairly obvious.
Glad to see the Yankees involved and wonder if this has anything to do with their lack of interest in Drew. I mean if you can sign a young SS (seems like he can play 2B or 3B as well), then go that route. Hope they sign him, but I feel like you cannot predict where these guys from Cuba will sign. My guess, most money and best opportunity to play in MLB immediately.
The Jays will certainly push for this guy but I think that unless they overpay this statement ends all discussions of him coming to Toronto: “His preference is shortstop, but he’s played second and third and I’m sure would be comfortable playing whatever position is necessary.” There are other teams that will offer similar money with an open spot at SS.
The Jays will certainly push for this guy but I think that unless they overpay this statement ends all discussions of him coming to Toronto: “His preference is shortstop, but he’s played second and third and I’m sure would be comfortable playing whatever position is necessary.” There are other teams that will offer similar money with an open spot at SS.
Well the Yankees are sure to have openings at SS and 2nd base at the very least starting in the 2015 season. So opportunities won’t be a problem for Diaz with the Yankees. Then it just comes down to money and if the Yankees are truly interested in Diaz or just going through the motions.
Well the Yankees are sure to have openings at SS and 2nd base at the very least starting in the 2015 season. So opportunities won’t be a problem for Diaz with the Yankees. Then it just comes down to money and if the Yankees are truly interested in Diaz or just going through the motions.
Unless something is massively wrong with the universe, I can’t see Diaz wearing any other uniform than a Yankee one. The need is there, Diaz can get up to speed on the ML game as a second baseman and then be ready to take over for Jeter in ’15.
I think Diaz should just be their everyday second baseman next season. Roberts will be gone by then and Diaz can replace him. Diaz’s range isn’t good enough for SS anyways.
Yeah god forbid any other teams ever sign players. Yanks ought to have first refusal rights to every player ever born.
Question is, will Diaz be willing to move positions? It says he has played 2B & 3B and he’s sure he would be comfortable… Shouldn’t his agent know this? (I know he’s keeping all options open) However, most players don’t want to change, unless required to, so I’m guessing he will signed with the highest bidder willing to keep him at SS (Yankees).
If he is willing, I wouldn’t mind the Giants giving him a shot… they will be needing a 2B and possibly 3B if Pablo doesn’t resign.
Does anyone have a scouting report on this guy?
Of course the Mets have shown no interest, because signing Diaz would make too much sense. Hopefully that’s just a ploy and they give him an offer that blows the others out of the water and guarantee him the starting gig at short.
Well, infield is the only area where the cardinals aren’t totally overloaded with too much depth (besides catcher), so maybe they will go after this guy (they have hoards of outfielders and pitchers coming out their ears, by the way).
Also, their overall payroll is much lower than last year’s because of all the dead weight they shed this past off-season (Chris Carpenter, Westbrook, Furcal, Beltran, Mujica, Freese, Salas, Boggs, Rzep, Axford, etc.–that’s over 50 mil they’ve shed by the way). And the Peralta deal is front-loaded. They don’t pay him much the back 2 years of his 4 year contract so he can be easily traded by then.
We don’t really have much depth at SS and 3B. What happens if Peralta or Matt Carpenter go down? Descalso? Greg Garcia? Kozma? That’s pretty weak. So, I can see Diaz starting in AAA or on the bench and then if injuries happen or if any of the starting infielders struggle, he can step in, at least as a platooner.
Might not be such a bad idea. I wouldn’t mind seeing us spend some of this extra money we have sitting around on a good young infielder (as long as it’s not a ridiculous 50 mil dollar contract, which it won’t be).
Say Peralta or Carpenter go down, you could slide Wong or Ellis to third or move Craig to third (not ideal but not totally out of the question.) That free’s up RF for one of the several OF’s they have waiting in line.
Jesse Sanchez said that almost all MLB teams were represented at Diaz’s showcase the other day so there are probably more teams involved than are mentioned.
As a Mets fan I hope he signs with the Mets, the Dodgers, or the Yankees and is very successful. The Mets for obvious reasons: the Yankees and Dodgers so that it takes one of the big market teams out of the bidding for the 2015 free agents
The Yankees and Dodgers still have enough money to go after free agents in 2015. Don’t worry.
That doesn’t mean they are going to spend it on a redundant free agent
I didn’t say they were going to. I said they have enough money to do so.
Well I wasn’t worried about other free agents. I was worried about the SS market
But Diaz most likely isn’t going to be a SS in MLB scouts say he is likely going to move over to second.
The same was said about Hanley and Lowrie. If the bat is good enough he will play where there is a spot. For the Dodgers that means SS given Guerrero is already at second. The Yankees don’t have a clear second baseman but the same theory applies
Does anyone know how the new disqus works? I still get e-mails saying people have replied to me but I can’t find the notification anywhere
They moved it. Look at the upper right corner right above share and favorite, it should be by your name its a little speech bubble thing.
Wow, that’s weird. I have seen it once. Still don’t see it now, but when I click on the arbitrary space next to my name it takes me to the spot I want to go. It’s like an invisible link. Thanks for the help
The Cardinals have heavy interest, despite having both middle infield positions locked up and padded with talented depth? Must be great. Every team should be that much more interested just because of how interested St. Louis is. That team just knows talent. Hope my Mets can bring him in!
For the life of me, I don’t understand why the Mets isn’t all in on Diaz. He seems to be a big time upgrade over our current SS situation, and is a better investment than Drew.
Thanks you A’s, we need this guy. Addison and this guy up the middle in the future is lethal.
So what did he decide???