Frank Diaz

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Washington Nationals #27 prospect in 2007
  A converted pitcher, Diaz had a breakout year in 2005, his fourth season as an outfielder, when he represented the Nationals in the Futures Game. He built on that success in April of 2006, when he batted .356 in Double-A, but he slumped badly in May before rebounding in June and wearing down late in the season. That's Diaz--a streaky hitter with average or better tools across the board. One of the best defensive outfielders in the system, he gets good jumps in center field and covers plenty of ground, and he has a strong, accurate arm. He has fringe-average power and solid-average speed. Diaz still has work to do at the plate, where he sometimes gets tied up because of a late trigger. He needs to trust that he can get started early without becoming a lunger. He also needs to work on his pitch recognition and plate discipline, as he has a tendency to chase fastballs up and out of the zone. At this point, Diaz looks like a fourth outfielder in the majors thanks to his defense. He should advance to Triple-A in 2007.
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  Ranked Washington Nationals #10 prospect in 2006
  A converted pitcher who switched to the outfield in 2001, Diaz struggled against more advanced competition until the Nationals allowed him to repeat high Class A in 2005. He had a career year that included a trip to the Futures Game. He benefited immensely from the guidance of Potomac manager Bob Henley and roving hitting instructor Mitchell Page, as well as many hours in the batting cage. Page shortened Diaz' swing by removing his front arm bar, which had caused him to commit too early and struggle against inside fastballs. He began hitting line drives to all fields, showing doubles power to right-center and home run pop to left-center. Defensively, he shifted from right to center field in winter ball after the 2004 season, and he became the Carolina League's best defensive outfielder, showing an above-average arm, good first-step quickness and range. Most notably, he took charge in center, aggressively calling off other defenders and making plays. He still needs to learn the strike zone and improve his pitch recognition a bit, but with five average or better tools, Diaz has a chance to be an everyday center fielder. How he responds to Double-A competition this year will be a big barometer.
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  Ranked Washington Nationals #24 prospect in 2004
  After two seasons in the Gulf Coast League, Diaz made the jump to low Class A in 2003 and held his own as a 19-year old. Signed as a righthanded pitcher, he never made it to the mound because the Expos converted him to the outfield after they saw him swing the bat. Diaz has a solid, athletic body and projects as a power-hitting right fielder in the majors. He has good bat speed and a smooth line-drive stroke, but his swing can get long at times and he needs to incorporate a better trigger mechanism. Starting from a slightly open stance, Diaz generates above-average power potential but will have to concentrate on hitting the ball to all fields. He tends to get pull-conscious. He also needs to show more patience at the plate or run the risk of being exploited by pitchers at higher levels. Diaz has average speed and keen baserunning instincts. A good defender with a plus arm, he can play all three outfield positions. He's destined for high Class A this year.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Carolina League #17 prospect in 2005
  Like his Venezuelan countryman Galarraga, Diaz flew under the radar in the Nationals system before 2005. Then he emerged as a five-tool talent in the CL. Diaz, who led the league in hits and doubles, had shown gap power in the past. By shortening his swing and improving his pitch recognition, he got the bat head out quicker and started sending balls over the fence. He stayed back on breaking balls better and began to use the whole field. His speed and arm are plus tools as well. His first-step quickness allows him to get good jumps in center field, and he throws better than most players who man that position.

• December, 2006 Scouting Report
  A converted pitcher, Diaz had a breakout year in 2005, his fourth season as an outfielder, when he represented the Nationals in the Futures Game. He built on that success in April of 2006, when he batted .356 in Double-A, but he slumped badly in May before rebounding in June and wearing down late in the season. That's Diaz--a streaky hitter with average or better tools across the board. One of the best defensive outfielders in the system, he gets good jumps in center field and covers plenty of ground, and he has a strong, accurate arm. He has fringe-average power and solid-average speed. Diaz still has work to do at the plate, where he sometimes gets tied up because of a late trigger. He needs to trust that he can get started early without becoming a lunger. He also needs to work on his pitch recognition and plate discipline, as he has a tendency to chase fastballs up and out of the zone. At this point, Diaz looks like a fourth outfielder in the majors thanks to his defense. He should advance to Triple-A in 2007.