In more proof that the real trade deadline is not until August 31st, the Atlanta Braves acquired outfielder Matt Diaz. The move may not make headlines but, its similar to last year’s deal involving Cody Ross to the Giants. If you guys recall, Ross hit multiple homers in the playoffs last year and was the NLCS MVP. I’m not saying Diaz will have the same impact but the move certainly fortifies this Braves lineup versus lefties which currently ranks dead last in the league in average vs lefties (.227) and OBP (.297). If there’s one thing Matt Diaz can do it is hit lefties.
From 2007-2009, Diaz hit .369 with a .975 OPS and 17 homers in just under 400 at bats.
The only guy with a higher average in that span against lefties was Derek Jeter. Pretty good company. Diaz is no longer the same player he was in that span thanks to a knee injury but, is still a legitimate threat off the bench and should help the Braves in the playoffs versus guys like Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels...
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