Scott Diamond

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Minnesota Twins #29 prospect in 2011
  The Braves are so deep in pitching that they club couldn't find room to protect Diamond on their 40-man roster after he went from a nondrafted free agent to Triple-A in three pro seasons. As was the case with another Atlanta NDFA success, Brandon Beachy, Diamond signed with the Braves after starring in a summer college league. He earned a $50,000 bonus after going 6-2, 2.55 in the Coastal Plain League in 2007. The Twins had scouted Diamond as an amateur, and also saw him pitch for Canada during the 2009 World Baseball Classic and 2010 Pan Am Qualifier. Those reports convinced Minnesota to take him in the major league Rule 5 draft at the 2010 Winter Meetings. Diamond throws four pitches, using a high arm slot to work up and down in the strike zone. He throws downhill and has a curveball that's a plus pitch at its best. Diamond drives his 86-91 mph fastball down through the strike zone and allowed just six homers in 159 innings last year. His slider and changeup have their moments, helping him keep righthanders off balance. While Diamond throws strikes, he lacks premium command, and his ceiling is as a fourth or fifth starter. He's more likely to fill a long-relief or lefty-specialist role if he makes Minnesota's 25-man roster in 2011. If he fails, the Twins have to put him through waivers and offer him back to the Braves before they could send him to the minors.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #26 prospect in 2010
  Signed by the Braves as a nondrafted free agent for $50,000 after starring in the summer collegiate Coastal Plain League, Diamond was the surprise of the system in 2008. In his pro debut, he led the system with 15 wins and ranked fifth with 123 strikeouts in 153 innings. His numbers weren't as sexy last year, but he successfully made the jump to Double-A. The Canadian thrives by locating most of his pitches in the lower third of the strike zone. He mixes three offerings: an 89-91 mph fastball, an above-average curveball and a solid-average changeup. He isn't afraid of pitching to contact and does a good job of forcing opponents to hit the ball on the ground. Diamond's stuff isn't overwhelming, but he passed the test in Double-A. He'll get challenged again in Triple-A this year, with a big league callup awaiting afterward.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #26 prospect in 2009
  In his introduction to pro ball, Diamond led Braves farmhands with 15 victories and ranked fourth in the Carolina League with a 2.89 ERA. Undrafted following his junior season at Binghamton in 2007, the Canadian signed with the Braves for $50,000 after twirling in the collegiate Coastal Plain League. He impressed during instructional league and spring training, so his debut wasn't a complete surprise. Diamond's success comes from mixing three pitches and working in the bottom third of the strike zone to produce groundouts. He has the ability to add and subtract velocity from all of his pitches. Diamond also excels at getting hitters to hit his pitch. He works ahead in the count and pounds the strike zone with an 89-91 mph fastball, a plus curveball and a changeup. He still needs to prove himself against quality hitters, but he's off to a good start. He'll face a strong test this season in Double-A.