Thread: Article: Scott Diamond looks to avoid sophomore slump

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php?r=...ophomore-slump

Well here's hoping; but he better find a way to lower that contact rate or my money is on one-hit-wonder.

A lot of fans are banking on Diamond. Personally, I think it is a fools bet at this time, but who else has the Front Office given anyone to bank on? Some pretty high odds at this time.

I think Diamond is going to be a pitcher much like Brad Radke and have a similar career. I'm predicting a year of 200+ innings and sub 3.90 ERA. Don't agree with the doubters and pouters.

Originally Posted by twinsfaninsaudi

I think Diamond is going to be a pitcher much like Brad Radke and have a similar career. I'm predicting a year of 200+ innings and sub 3.90 ERA. Don't agree with the doubters and pouters.

Sounds more like Morris than Radke. Radke only had 3 seasons sub 3.90, whereas Morris' career ERA was 3.90

BTW, the doubters have a lot of info to base their opinion on, what do you have?

Originally Posted by ThePuck

Sounds more like Morris than Radke. Radke only had 3 seasons sub 3.90, whereas Morris' career ERA was 3.90

It sounds more like you completely ignored the context of the eras they pitched in when making this post.

Originally Posted by snepp

It sounds more like you completely ignored the context of the eras they pitched in when making this post.

Well, Radke had a better ERA+ than Morris even though his actual ERA was bigger.

Darvish posted an ERA of 3.90 this year which gave him an ERA+ of 116...which is is closer to Radke than Morris. Good call. I stand corrected.

I guess the overall point is, why are the doubters wrong?

Originally Posted by ThePuck

Sounds more like Morris than Radke. Radke only had 3 seasons sub 3.90, whereas Morris' career ERA was 3.90

BTW, the doubters have a lot of info to base their opinion on, what do you have?

I know that about Radke, I did not say that is what I think an average Scott Diamond season will be when his career is over, but it is what I predict for him next season.

I would say my predictions are based more on gut feeling and emotional whim than they are on numbers and information. Generally, I think a prediction is only worth making if goes against what others might expect.

Originally Posted by twinsfaninsaudi

I would say my predictions are based more on gut feeling and emotional whim than they are on numbers and information. Generally, I think a prediction is only worth making if goes against what others might expect.

I predict this model of making predictions will serve you well, in all areas of interest, throughout your life.

Originally Posted by USAFChief

I predict this model of making predictions will serve you well, in all areas of interest, throughout your life.

And when that fails, tea leaves are always a solid fallback option.

I'm a fan of Diamond's but I doubt we see more than the pitcher we saw in Aug/Sept. I think the doubter's are the ones who will end up supporting Diamond for just what he is, I get the feeling people with overflated expectations are going to come down hardest on him when their balloon gets burst.

Yes he was our best pitcher last year, think about what that actually means for a minute.

Originally Posted by twinsnorth49

Yes he was our best pitcher last year, think about what that actually means for a minute.

Wonderful point. I am usually very optimistic with prospects that produce. But the problem with Diamond is that I have seen his "stuff" on TV, alot. And I am afraid we may see his stats go back to where they were in AAA in 2010 and 2011.

He has very little movement on a 89-91mph fastball. His curve-in-the-dirt is his best pitch, and his change-up is straight-as-an-arrow but slow enough. I just can't see him having an ERA under 4.00 with what he has in his arsenal. The second half of last year will continue, I'm afraid.

Originally Posted by twinsnorth49

I'm a fan of Diamond's but I doubt we see more than the pitcher we saw in Aug/Sept. I think the doubter's are the ones who will end up supporting Diamond for just what he is, I get the feeling people with overflated expectations are going to come down hardest on him when their balloon gets burst.

Fantastic point. This is exactly what happened with Dozier last year, I think even from the Twins perspective. They over-estimated both his readiness and talent and then punished him for it.



As for the Radke/Diamond Comparison, Radke had some very good years, but early in his career, he struck out almost six batters p/game (except for when he was 22 in his rookie season).