Top Performer Spotlight: 2023 OF/2B Erick Diaz (Middletown)

April 16, 2020
Tim Hunter
VP of Operations

It was a historic preseason here in New York with our boots-on-the-ground scouting staff covering 700+ players at showcase events, all February long. The dust has settled and we are now ramping up our efforts in player rankings, scouting reports, and recap articles. While the outcome of the 2020 HS season is on hold, the Prep Baseball Report (NY) will continue to provide unrivaled coverage for the amateur baseball players in the Empire State.

As we continue our follow up of the Preseason Tour, we will be highlighting "Top Performer Spotlights" on players who recently stood-out at our preseason events. Stay tuned with us for the latest information on the 2020 spring season and beyond.

Scouting Report

Physical: 5-foot-10, 170-pounds. Athletic frame with room to fill out, fast twitch actions.
Run: 6.93 runner in the 60.
Hit: S. RH: Tall, balanced stance. Hands start at shoulders and works to the ball with small leg kick. LH: Similar, tall balanced stance. Hands start at shoulders with higher leg kick RH: Hands are quick to ball, barrel clears zone quickly with extension at the finish. LH: Direct barrel path to ball with extension and a one-handed finish.
Power: 86 MPH raw exit velocity. Line drive swing from both sides creating hard contact from gap to gap.
Defense: Low approach with choppy footwork attacking the ball, fields the ball out in front of his glove foot.
Arm: Long arm swing with a high-effort release, over the top slot. OF - 79 MPH.

Standout Skill

Diaz's standout skill is easily his ability to hit from both sides of the plate. He Has the same swing path and setup on both sides to make them look very identical. Smooth and controlled swing, very repeatable which is tough having to learn from both sides. Has power and shows he's able to control the bat driving the ball to all parts of the field.

Player Projection

Sub-7 runner so Diaz can cover ground in the OF and depending on if he continues to improve his arm strength, he can play any position in the OF when called upon. Defensively he looks sound and will adjust to any part of the field you stick him in. His ability to switch hit will keep him in the lineup. As he continues to develop and see live pitching from both sides his consistency will only get better.

Quick Hit
"Very athletic player all around with a solid frame. Switch hitter with identical swng from both sides of the plate. Quick hands to the ball and stays through with contact all the way through the zone. Gap to gap approach with low line drives, Diaz does show some potential pop. Active feet to get in position to field the ball on outside glove foot, long arm action with a good pro-hop, and a quick transfer for fielding."

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