fcastig0220 wrote:

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It's only necessary to reveal the true value of a Mike Jones and/or Aaron Bates type player when half of the posters on this website attempt to justify Lars not being promoted until mid-August, because Mike Jones wasn't promoted in April. If posters are able to skew the value of Mike Jones in a positive, unrealistic light, then it's only fair that I skew Mike Jones in an objective, fair light. Nice try, though.

FWIW- Fcastig - I think the point is that these are young kids that are making peanuts for money, working their tails off hoping to fullfil a dream and they really dont deserve to themselves read a post here or have a friend read a post hear that is referring to them as inadaquate. Maybe some people blow people up and make them something they are not, but for a young kid that's not hurtful - it might even be inspiring. I hate even ripping major league ball players even though they make a ton of money, but putting a kid down is tactless. All that's trying to be said is you can refer to Mike Jones or Aaron Bates in the way you feel about them without being rude. "scrub" speaks for itself and doesn't need to be explained why that's a poor term. But if you think Lars is an extreme talent to the other two you can simply state something like "i think we'd all agree that Lars is a special prospect and is looked at in a different light". I would think you could also refer to Bates and his potential role in the major leagues a little better and still get your point across. There's nothing wrong with being a 1b/DH/back-up type in the major leagues. A lot of people would kill for that opportunity and it's a valuable role. See Sean Casey this year (I understand it's the end of his career, but remember how great Reggie Jefferson was for this team as a PH).

Anyways, the bottom like is Mike created the sight and layed a ground rule not to bash the players for reasons outlined above and since you're a visitor and they have the right to ban you - I simply suggest you listen to them or lose your privelledges to post.

Diaz - I'm guessing Diaz got promoted due to his defense. Maybe they feel he'll never been a great bat so they'd like to see how he can handle some higher level pitching. Word is his defense is ready for the show now and we all know there have been plenty of all glove no to little glove SS's over the years.

The other point is that starting in low A he's hit better at each higher level. We've all seen plenty of guys hit better as the competition gets better. We read the scouting reports on him having trouble keeping focus in the field so he makes errors. Maybe it's the same thing at the plate. He's a streaky hitter which indicates he can handle pitching, but that he has trouble maintaining that groove - probably has a lot to do with mentality.

WARNING: I'M NOT ABOUT TO COMPARE THESE TWO PLAYERS ABILITY:

I've heard it asked before why Hanley put up pedestrian numbers in the minors. The reason had to do with him not feeling challenged and he was bored. It was written about a few times on his way up the ladder. He would usually start out hott at a new level and then he exploded onto the MLB scene when there were questions abound about whether he was ready.

Maybe it will be similar to Diaz without the cieling offensively as a Hanley. Maybe he can get a .355 OBP and .425 Slugging with great defense. Sign me up for that. (purley speculation and i know people hate that, but i thought it was worth noting - time will tell - and his offensive numbers certainly don't tell the story).