Braves Cut Ties With Outfielder Matt Diaz
by gondeee on Dec 2, 2010 4:24 PM EST
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PrintPer MLB beat writer Mark Bowman, the Braves have officially non-tendered outfielder Matt Diaz after five years as an Atlanta Brave. Diaz would likely have gotten a hefty raise and would have been too expensive as primarily a platoon player in the outfield.
The Braves did however offer contracts to Martin Prado, Jair Jurrjens, Eric O'Flaherty, and Peter Moylan.
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contracts or arb?
Following the infamous "astroglide" comment and the challenge for use of word:
"no way the Astros glide into the playoffs."
by BrockSamson on Aug 29, 2010 3:26 PM PDT
They all get tendered contracts- if they refuse, it can go to arb.
Most of them should get between 1.5-3 mil.
i guess i should have indluged
what i meant was, is there nay chance they tried to lock up JJ or prado for a 3 year deal to prevent the arb process?
Following the infamous "astroglide" comment and the challenge for use of word:
"no way the Astros glide into the playoffs."
by BrockSamson on Aug 29, 2010 3:26 PM PDT
Has to be ARB.
Braves are more than likely not going to bring him back with Mather, Hinske, Prado all about to spend time in LF this season. Braves seem happy or content rather the Mclouth having a come back year and are still stuck with KK contract so resigning Diaz would have been to much of a burden on the ATL Braves tight pockets this winter.
Diaz was a good player in his time in ATL having a great 2009 season but an injury torn 2010 season in which he was limited with an injuried thumb really hurt his chances on being brought back. Not to mention the fact that neither himself or Melky formerly a Brave thank goodness could land a perminate starting role in the ATL Lineup. What I mean is that neither produced worth much last season and that is the reason that neither are going to be on the ATL Braves next season.
Best of lucky Matty thanks for a good five year run, we will see ya soon in Philly where it is rumored Diaz is likely to land.
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Dec 2, 2010 4:33 PM EST up reply actions
This
Blows… I wish they had a spot for him… I’m such a huge fan of his
"I wasn’t thinking about it. That’s the worst celebration of all time. I didn’t know what to do. I got lost in the moment." - Brian McCann
by HansonManCrush on Dec 2, 2010 4:29 PM EST via mobile reply actions
yeah i agree
I love MattyD
Following the infamous "astroglide" comment and the challenge for use of word:
"no way the Astros glide into the playoffs."
by BrockSamson on Aug 29, 2010 3:26 PM PDT
It helps though
That i also love me some Hinsk-ggla, so that softens the blow
"I wasn’t thinking about it. That’s the worst celebration of all time. I didn’t know what to do. I got lost in the moment." - Brian McCann
by HansonManCrush on Dec 2, 2010 4:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Matty was the Brave's Charlie hustle!
it just felt right and the chance to go to the postseason is hard to pass up. I’ve always respected their orginization… and Bobby…I’m excited. I’m looking forward to it...Derrek Lee (at press conference sayiing he had been traded to the Braves)
he was a player-manager
"No. Lonely people mixing with one another? Breeding? Creating an even lonelier generation? You're not even allowing natural selection do its work. Pssh. You're like the guy who invented the seat belt."
Dwight Schrute
no he just shoved over imposter Spidermen!
it just felt right and the chance to go to the postseason is hard to pass up. I’ve always respected their orginization… and Bobby…I’m excited. I’m looking forward to it...Derrek Lee (at press conference sayiing he had been traded to the Braves)
It was time, for he didn't really have a spot...
But dangit. I liked him.
"You can't print what I said, but they have to catch us." - Chipper Jones
Good luck Matty D!!
Please go to the Rays and not the Phils….to quote Tom Petty “don’t do me like that”
Not unexpected but somewhat sad nonetheless. Best of luck to MattyD and hopefully he won’t land in Philly and torment EOF and/or Venters when he plays against us.
We’d just bring in a righty…problem solved!
by dunnytwogloves on Dec 2, 2010 5:23 PM EST up reply actions
I'll miss the guy
such a good attitude and hussle. Gotta respect that. I hope he lands a good job somewhere, preferably in the AL.
In addendum
I think it was KLaw who said that Matt Diaz was a player whose hard work got the most out of his talents. In other words, he wasn’t the most talented player, but his hard work paid off. I don’t think there is any higher compliment than that.
by Andy Braves Fan on Dec 2, 2010 4:54 PM EST up reply actions
Hinske coming back = best news I’ve heard all day.
Diaz not coming back = worst news I’ve heard all day.
I’m sure there’s a good AL team that needs him (preferably one the Braves don’t see in IL in 2011). I will cry if he goes to the Phillies.
The birth of Jason Heyward was God’s punishment for the sins of the people in New York and Philly.
MATT DAMON.
Good luck Matt Dam—I mean Diaz. We’ll miss havin’ ya around.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Champagne for my real friends and real pain for my sham friends." - Tom Waits
by Gamecock'n'Balls on Dec 2, 2010 5:02 PM EST reply actions
That’s creepy.
"Tony Gwynn made sacrifices. Cal Ripken made sacrifices. I'm not sure Derek Jeter made sacrifices given the ungodly deep pockets the Yankees have." - Chipper Jones
biopic?
The birth of Jason Heyward was God’s punishment for the sins of the people in New York and Philly.
by TonyAlmeyda on Dec 2, 2010 5:07 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t see the resemblance at all…unless you say that Matty Diaz looks like Matt Damon about 30 lbs heavier and with a Mexican grandfather…
by TBuzz on Dec 2, 2010 7:39 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I'll miss you Matty D!
Just once I was hoping to hear you walk up to bat with your brothers cheesy song playin! Thanks for being so flippin’ awesome!
I am suprised...
that Freddy G didn’t protest loudly, as Matty D tore up his pitching staff while he managed there.This is my first rift with Wren. If you couldn’t pay him a few extra mil,then we are really in bad shape with our salary cap. The guy would run through a wall to win,and could really hit.
If Hinske had gone to the Brew Crew, then I gotta believe they would have tried to re-sign him at something close to Hinske bucks. But the handwriting has been on the wall since the Uggla trade: there’s not gonna be very many LF innings available.
Bobby Cox, advising Jeff Francoeur about being thrown out of a game: "you’ll probably have to write a $500 check. Or you can do what I do, write a $10,000 one and tell them when it runs out, let me know."
Because he's better and cheaper.
Why would we want Diaz over Hinske?
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
by Jacob Peterson on Dec 2, 2010 5:16 PM EST up reply actions
What on earth makes you think Hinske is better than Diaz
I like Hinske, but OPS+ for the last 5 years:
Hinkse: 97, 83, 109, 104, 114
Diaz: 114, 124, 50 (only 140 ABs due to injury), 132, 99 (bad thumb injury).
Plus Diaz is an OK outfielder, Hinske is not.
Pointing out Diaz's injuries doesn't exactly help his case, now does it?
The ability to stay healthy and consistent helps Hinske’s case. He’s had basically the same year for each of the past 6 years (with one minor exception). Diaz, on the other hand, has been woefully inconsistent.
Hinske’s been much better in 2 of the past 3 seasons, even by your own (flawed) statistic. Defensively, Diaz’s OF UZR the past 3 years are -2.6, -4.5, 0.1. Hinske’s are 2.4, 0.3, -3.6. They’re the same player defensively in the OF, at least not based on the numbers. Hinske can also play 1B and, in a pinch, 3B. Diaz cannot.
Both have huge platoon splits, but Hinske’s favors RHPs, who are most pitchers after all.
I don’t see how you could interpret that as being anything worse than even. I think the evidence overall favors Hinske, based on versatility and consistency.
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
by Jacob Peterson on Dec 2, 2010 5:29 PM EST up reply actions
I don't understand not tendering Diaz
We still suck at hitting lefties. I mean, Uggla helps, but it’s not problem solved. Not to mention, Diaz (though he can’t play CF) was better at LF than McLouth was (and I’m not sure I’d call what McLouth does playing CF).
We'll miss you, Matt!
Be it caveman or hitting fool – noone hustles to first base like Matt.
A+ for attitude!
This is a sad move, but really Wren had no choice.
There’s no way Matty was going to be worth the money he’d get in arb, even if the Braves won. He’s a great guy to have around, but he only hits LHPs and can only play LF. Those types of guys are only worth $1-2M, tops. If we could have gotten around the arbitration process here, I’m sure we would have tried.
Still, I salute Matt for 5 mostly good years with the Braves and for making up for his subpar speed by always hustling. Happy hacking in the future, Captain Caveman (just don’t sign with Philly).
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
There’s no way Matty was going to be worth the money he’d get in arb
Null point. Diaz made it very well known he was more than happy to avoid arb, take less money and stick around.
ATTENTION CITIZENS: DAN UGGLA IS NOT A THIRD BASEMAN. That is all.
Except that
he couldn’t avoid arb. It’s in the collective bargaining agreement. He was a pre-FA player, he couldn’t just declare himself a FA.
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
by Jacob Peterson on Dec 2, 2010 5:34 PM EST up reply actions
Ha.
Pretty sure we can’t do that, but it would be funny.
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
by Jacob Peterson on Dec 2, 2010 5:39 PM EST up reply actions
How is it that every year we read about folks “avoiding arb” by signing a contract with the team before an arb hearing, yet Diaz can’t do so?
ATTENTION CITIZENS: DAN UGGLA IS NOT A THIRD BASEMAN. That is all.
What I meant was
he couldn’t avoid the overall arbitration process, which requires that players cannot be offered a contract with more than a 20% pay decrease. Sure he could have accepted a deal that avoided an arbitration hearing, but that’s not the same as avoiding the process altogether. The Braves would still have had to offer him more than $2M, which they quite reasonably were unwilling to do. If they could have offered him, say, $1.5M, I’m sure they would have—though I doubt Diaz would have taken it.
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
by Jacob Peterson on Dec 2, 2010 5:42 PM EST up reply actions
I call bullshit
He could negotiate any contract he and Wren wanted to negotiate
Free Matt Young!
Yep, this might be the last thing (and most notable thing) Matt Diaz was known for in a Braves uniform … tackling a guy in a red body stocking.
Really? The most notable thing? I must respectfully disagree, I think his systematic obliteration of lefties, especially the guys in our division like Moyer, Happ, Olsen, etc., and his mythical .500/.519/.615/1.134 line against the great Santana, is vastly more notable than him knocking over one Philthie phan.
ATTENTION CITIZENS: DAN UGGLA IS NOT A THIRD BASEMAN. That is all.
technically now that he is nontendered, we could conceivably offer him a contract…i realize that is unlikely,m but the discussion up a bit mentions avoiding the arbitration process, this is how you avoid the arbitration process… you non tender a guy and now he is FA. every team can sign him, but so can we…and we can offer him1M or 1.5M if we so choose…and if he wants to stay he will
this may be unrealistic as we already have Hinske and Mather so Diaz is a bit excessive. But I still would love to have him around.
"No. Lonely people mixing with one another? Breeding? Creating an even lonelier generation? You're not even allowing natural selection do its work. Pssh. You're like the guy who invented the seat belt."
Dwight Schrute
My understanding is that
a non-tendered FA cannot be resigned by the nontendering team until May of the following season. So I don’t think that could work.
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
by Jacob Peterson on Dec 2, 2010 5:48 PM EST up reply actions
i think you are right, but then why were we all arguing about KJ last year if we couldn’t resign him
"No. Lonely people mixing with one another? Breeding? Creating an even lonelier generation? You're not even allowing natural selection do its work. Pssh. You're like the guy who invented the seat belt."
Dwight Schrute
is the answer yes?
"No. Lonely people mixing with one another? Breeding? Creating an even lonelier generation? You're not even allowing natural selection do its work. Pssh. You're like the guy who invented the seat belt."
Dwight Schrute
"why were we all arguing about KJ last year if we couldn’t resign him"
someone is still arguing about KJ, he just doesn’t do it as frequently anymore.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
Ha. Right.
I have never once brought him up since the season started.
This guy wants to suck all the cubs dick can he not have an unbias some what partition reguards
by RWH2 on Apr 5, 2010 10:20 AM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Dec 3, 2010 8:54 AM EST up reply actions
But you don't hesitate to respond when someone else mentions him...
or even alludes to him, or any of our current 2B options.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
Only when they are being stupid or ignorant.
This guy wants to suck all the cubs dick can he not have an unbias some what partition reguards
by RWH2 on Apr 5, 2010 10:20 AM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Dec 3, 2010 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
I think everybody's overrating Mather.
I’ve seen him play in Memphis, and he’s a good AAA player, but he has yet to show anything at the MLB level. Technically he’s more defensively versatile than Diaz, but that doesn’t automatically make him a better option. His offensive skills are not on par with Matt’s. Granted there’s not much data yet to run on, but his platoon splits lean a bit towards right handers; he has a poor batting line against lefties so far.
ATTENTION CITIZENS: DAN UGGLA IS NOT A THIRD BASEMAN. That is all.
I think the reason people are excited
is he’s finally healthy.
I’m with you though…we’ll see about Mather.
"That guy mvhsbball is really an insufferable schmuck." - FuquaManuel
by Scott Coleman on Dec 2, 2010 5:57 PM EST up reply actions
even if Mather isn’t any good he is on the 40 man roster and its not smart roster construction to have Diaz, Mather, and Hinske on the roster at the same time…
not only are there payroll constrictions there are roster spot constrictions…whether Mather is good or not isnt relevant…he is on the 40 and thus we don’t have room for Diaz, unfortuantely.
"No. Lonely people mixing with one another? Breeding? Creating an even lonelier generation? You're not even allowing natural selection do its work. Pssh. You're like the guy who invented the seat belt."
Dwight Schrute
Good thing is we might not have a lefty starter so if the Braves play Diaz he won’t DESTROY US!!! Good luck Matty
by PhuckthePhillies on Dec 2, 2010 5:51 PM EST reply actions
Good thing is we might not have a lefty starter so if the Braves play Diaz he won’t DESTROY US!!! Good luck Matty
by PhuckthePhillies on Dec 2, 2010 5:51 PM EST reply actions
Way to ruin the thread, bro.
"That guy mvhsbball is really an insufferable schmuck." - FuquaManuel
by Scott Coleman on Dec 2, 2010 6:07 PM EST up reply actions
I suggest this:
Good thing is we might not have a lefty starter so if the Braves play Diaz he won’t DESTROY US!!! Good luck Matty
I spilled spot remover on my dog... now he's gone.
too bad
Minor is supposed to be our 5th starter.
by drumzalicious on Dec 2, 2010 8:03 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Diaz to Wren: “Don’t forget about me.”
That makes me so sad.
"Tony Gwynn made sacrifices. Cal Ripken made sacrifices. I'm not sure Derek Jeter made sacrifices given the ungodly deep pockets the Yankees have." - Chipper Jones
by MBL1 on Dec 2, 2010 6:21 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I hate this.
Insert crying Capt. Caveman image here
I still remember the game where Diaz literally took a step back from the plate while the pitcher was in his motion and still hit the ball. For some reason that amazed me.
there is no more exciting person watch to hit than Matt Diaz…if he is on the television i will fidn it…he looks confused 95% of the time , the other 5% he looks bored…and yet he mashes. so exciting
"No. Lonely people mixing with one another? Breeding? Creating an even lonelier generation? You're not even allowing natural selection do its work. Pssh. You're like the guy who invented the seat belt."
Dwight Schrute
I love how he can look completely lost at the plate for half the at bat and then randomly figure it all out.
sad to see him go but no place for him
Before resigning Hinske we had a bench of
Ross
Diory
Conrad
We still neded a 4th OF and a possible platoon partner with Freeman. That essentially got taken care of with Mather. He can play the OF corners just like Diaz but has the added bonus of being able to play anywhere in the infield but SS which left just a need for someone who could back up CF and Diaz can’t play CF.
Of course you could say get rid of Mather or Conrad but both bring versatility defensively that Diaz does not. Conrad also has the benefit of being a SH which is a great thing coming off the bench.
Sucks but makes the most sense versatility wise and cost.
by drumzalicious on Dec 2, 2010 7:23 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Yuck.
I just don’t think we’re going to get much out of him. I could be wrong (and for the team’s sake I hope I am), but his bat has been a limp noodle in the majors so far.
ATTENTION CITIZENS: DAN UGGLA IS NOT A THIRD BASEMAN. That is all.
Other than 2009...
His numbers in the minors are pretty good at all levels, and I remember Cards fans not being too happy about losing him. Given those tidbits, I’m at least optimistic he can provide some impact as a role player.
-C
It’s rough to sit through these games and not have someone that can’t hit a Ball?
JJ and not Diaz..........
What a travesty!!!!!!
DON'T STOP 'TIL WE REACH THE TOP!!!!!!!!
Another SAINTS fan in Panther country!
GEAUX SAINTS!!!!!!!!!!!
WHO DAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
???
I hope this wasn’t a serious comment.
by drumzalicious on Dec 2, 2010 8:08 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
wow
i just realized how much i’m going to miss him
Bye, Matt
I think we’ll all miss him.
I hope he succeeds wherever he ends up.
The birth of Jason Heyward was God’s punishment for the sins of the people in New York and Philly.
:'(
The best part about Matty is shown in this picture. Jersey was always dirty. That’s hustle.
by BravesfanTyler on Dec 2, 2010 10:17 PM EST up reply actions
DIAZ...
DOUBLES TO RIGHT, AND THE PHILLIES BLOW A GAME FOR THE AGES!!!
Anyone know what I’m talking about. It was a bleak 2007 season, but I will never forget that.
I'm not happy to see him go
Matt is probably going to end up with the Phillies or, I’m thinking the Mets. The Mets need a 4th OF and I don’t think Matty’s slumping 2010 season is going to scare them off. I hate to think that he comes back next year with his .305 avg for the Mets or the Phillies.Don’t even want to talk about his hitting against LH pitching. I would rather lose Hinske than Matty D.
Senator, we have another old saying,"Don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining." Fletcher
I get no joy from this...
But it’s probably in the best interests of the team.
I’ll even give him one game of killing the Braves, if he wishes it.
Anyone else have a sorrowful (for the loss of Diaz) yet collective sigh of relief to see Moylan on the list of tendered contracts?? One loss hurts, both would have been unbearable.
Sad to see it had to go this way, even if it’s for the best. Let’s hope no bridges are burned. I hope for his safe return, if we should ever find ourselves in need.
Good luck and Godspeed, Matt Diaz. I’ll never root against you, even when you face the Braves.
-C
It’s rough to sit through these games and not have someone that can’t hit a Ball?
I will be rooting against him when he plays against the Braves, as I do every player on the opposing team.
I will miss Matt’s hot streaks, but not his cold streaks, his bad D or his crazy swinging with his eyes shut.
This guy wants to suck all the cubs dick can he not have an unbias some what partition reguards
by RWH2 on Apr 5, 2010 10:20 AM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Dec 3, 2010 3:54 AM EST up reply actions
A sad.
I has one.
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." A. Bartlett Giamatti
Matt Diaz no longer with the Braves?
"They should just give two ROYs in the NL and skip the AL this year." - KLaw
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