Tim, get to see this up and running. Quick question I live in Connecticut and happened to see Altoona play the Yardgoats last night, and was completely stunned by the performance of Derek Diamond. He’s got a lively arm and I was wondering what your thoughts are and perhaps with the organizations thoughts are on him as well? Thanks for your time. Good luck with everything.
I couldn't tell you the organization's thoughts, as I don't keep in contact with anyone with the Pirates.
I saw Diamond in High-A in 2023, after he was promoted to the level. What stands out, looking at his stuff today, is the velocity has ticked up a bit. When I saw him, he was low 90s, mostly working offspeed. He's 94.5 MPH now, working with a fastball/slider combo out of the bullpen in a limited sample. Looking back on my notes from 2023, he had the ability to throw the slider for strikes, and worked it low in the zone, getting some swings and misses. This year he has a 38.5% whiff on 21 tracked sliders. When he was a starter, I saw him as a better relief option. I think he's in his best position to have a shot at the Majors, but he's also 25 and has dealt with some injuries the last two seasons. This will be an important year for him to show he can have success out of the bullpen, as there will be other similar pitchers forcing their way up from the lower levels.
Tim, get to see this up and running. Quick question I live in Connecticut and happened to see Altoona play the Yardgoats last night, and was completely stunned by the performance of Derek Diamond. He’s got a lively arm and I was wondering what your thoughts are and perhaps with the organizations thoughts are on him as well? Thanks for your time. Good luck with everything.
Jim
I couldn't tell you the organization's thoughts, as I don't keep in contact with anyone with the Pirates.
I saw Diamond in High-A in 2023, after he was promoted to the level. What stands out, looking at his stuff today, is the velocity has ticked up a bit. When I saw him, he was low 90s, mostly working offspeed. He's 94.5 MPH now, working with a fastball/slider combo out of the bullpen in a limited sample. Looking back on my notes from 2023, he had the ability to throw the slider for strikes, and worked it low in the zone, getting some swings and misses. This year he has a 38.5% whiff on 21 tracked sliders. When he was a starter, I saw him as a better relief option. I think he's in his best position to have a shot at the Majors, but he's also 25 and has dealt with some injuries the last two seasons. This will be an important year for him to show he can have success out of the bullpen, as there will be other similar pitchers forcing their way up from the lower levels.