From the Collection: Yandy Diaz, if, Tampa Bay Rays
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I am still, five years later, upset that Cleveland traded Yandy Diaz. Someday, I really hope that we learn the real reason why they decided to trade him away since I am not convinced that they could not find a spot in the lineup for him.
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In case you don’t remember, the knock on Yandy while he was in Cleveland was that he was limited to third base (which was already manned by Jose Ramirez) and that his launch angle was aimed straight down, which limited his power. So, with this in mind, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays as part of a package that netted the team OF Jake Bauers and brought back 1B Carlos Santana. Why not simply plant him at DH? Or first? I think he could manage first base. I know he can manage first since he is able to do it now. WHY DID YOU DO THIS CLEVELAND BASEBALL FRONT OFFICE?
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Yandy has done nothing but hit since leaving Cleveland, and this season he is having a career year, hitting .316/.409/.570 with 12 HR. That .409 OBP is leading the league, and he is only two HR away from eclipsing his career best of 14. Is he a whiz with the glove? No. But if he was in the Cleveland lineup this season, he would be the best player by far. He looks on track to get an All-Star selection and his second season in a row with some MVP votes.
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Anyway. This is all depressing. And when I am done being sad about this, it will be time for me to get mad about another Tampa Bay player, IF Junior Caminero. Guess where he came from, and what he cost? Balls.