In an effort to add a bit more content beyond the Farm Authority Reports (read that “blatantly suck up to the readers here at NFA”), I’m going to try out a new weekly feature, the “Question for the Record (QFR).”
The inaugural QFR is in response to an email from reader, Sean Waltman. His question: How good/what type of CF prospects are Justin Maxwell and Frank Diaz?
Background
Frank Diaz, 6′2″ 180 - R/R - 10/6/83: The Venzuelan native was signed as a non-drafted free agent pitcher on July 4, 2000. He was added to the Nationals’ 40-man roster in 2005. The 22-year old Diaz is in his fifth season in the Expos/Nationals system as the starting CF for the AA Harrisburg Senators.
Justin Maxwell, 6′5″ 225 - R/R 11/6/83: The Olney, MD native was a 4th round draft pick in the 2005 First Year Player Draft out of the University of Maryland. The 22-year old Maxwell signed late in the 2005 season (too late to play) and is currently on the DL in Savannah with a broken toe.
Strengths/Weaknesses
Diaz
His calling card is his defense. He is arguably the best defensive OF in the Nationals organization. The Nats originally had him as a RF from 2000-2004, and he made a seamless transition from RF to CF in winter ball 2004. He has shown a tremendous arm and has taken charge in CF. On offense, In four minor league seasons, he’s put up a 277/321/430 line. Diaz exhibits a combination of power with the bat (76 XBH in 2005 including 45 doubles) with just enough speed to make him a threat (73SB in 102 career attempts). He is still learning pitch recognition/plate discipline as demonstrated by a nearly 3/1 K/BB ratio from 2000 to 2005.
Maxwell
His career has been punctuated by flashes of brilliance and freaky injuries. In 103 career games in college park, Maxwell posted a 299/404/518 line with 16HR and 24/32 SB. He made his biggest impact in the Cape Cod League, a summer league where the top college prospects play with wooden bats. He hit 307 in 153AB with 2HR and 9/11 SB against some of the top college pitchers. His biggest problem has been (and still is) staying healthy. He has had a laundry list of odd injuries that have kept him from fully developing. A pitch broke his right arm costing him the 2004 season. During his recovery in the 2004 Cape Cod League, he was hit by another pitch, breaking a finger. Another injury in 2005, a broken hamate bone curtailed his 2005 season. And now, a broken toe has put him on the shelf in Savannah for three to four weeks.
Today and into the Future
Diaz
He offers the greatest near-term return on investment. In 42 games in Harrisburg, Diaz is hitting 289/325/434 with 4HR and 3/5 SB. His abilities at the plate are showing improvement as he is learning to recognize pitches better and is slowly improving his strikezone discipline (9BB/24K). His defense is still above average with only one error and from reports still demonstrating great range. Expect to see him remain in Harrisburg, close to the big league club, where the organization can keep a close eye on his progress. A promotion to the majors when rosters expand in September is not out of the question. With the future of CF up for grabs in Washington, Diaz has every opportunity to be a serious competitor for not just a bench spot in 2007, but perhaps an outside shot at winning the job outright.
Maxwell
His first order of business is to get healthy. Maxwell only appeared in 14G for the Sand Gnats batting 163/293/347 in 49AB. He showed flashes of ability, five of his eight hits in 2006 have gone for extra bases. Until he can demonstrate the “ability” to stay off the DL, it will be difficult to project just how far he can go. If he makes the major leagues, I do not believe it will be in CF, a shift to RF may be necessary.
Thanks for the question, Sean. We are soliciting future QFRs. Please send your inquiries to the NFA.