From the Outfield with Love - A Q & A with Victor Diaz
by: Joe McDonald | Publisher and Editor-in-Chief | Tuesday, August 17, 2004
 The winner of a mid-season deal is never known until to a few years later. One team usually gets instant gratification by receiving a Major League player, while the other team acquires a prospect that will help them down the road. Last year, when the Mets knew they were out of it, they decided to ship some of their high priced veterans to other teams. When they shipped Jeromy Burnitz to the Dodgers last season, New York netted a young infielder named Victor Diaz.
The 22 year-old then second baseman came to the Mets with the reputation of all bat and no field. For the Dodgers, he hit .291 with 10 homers and 54 RBIs in 316 at-bats. Diaz then went on to hit .354 and have 6 long bombs and 23 ribbies in 175 at bats for the B-Mets. New York saw that hitting potential this season and moved the Chicago native to the outfield where he excelled. At Norfolk, Diaz is hitting .291 with 20 home runs and 76 runs batted in with a nice .493 slugging percentage. So MOFO Sports wanted to find out more from this big bat and called him in Indianapolis - where the Tides are playing - to interview him. MOFO Sports: You are tearing it up down there. When do you expect to be called up by the Mets? Victor Diaz: I am not worried about that. I am just playing hard and trying to get the team to the playoffs. We are about two games back. I am just trying to play hard and helping the team win. MS: Was it difficult for you to change positions this year and go to the outfield? VD: At first it was because I thought it was easier. After, I was taking extra fly balls and ground balls. It was difficult at first. Now I am getting used to it. MS: Is it frustrating to see all your different teammates being called up to the Majors while you are still sitting down there in Norfolk since the Mets outfield looks set? VD: I was thinking about that. I am not frustrated though. It can’t be set because if they moved me to the outfield and I will be up there soon, I will be up there to stay. MS: You played in the Dodger and Met organizations. What is the differences between the two teams? VD: That’s simple. The Mets put me in the outfield and the Dodgers kept me in the infield. The Mets gave me an opportunity and they are telling me that I will be fine in the outfield. That’s where they will need me, so I will be giving them 100 percent in the outfield. MS: What do you think you need to do to improve your game and get to the Big Leagues? VD: Just be a little more patient at that plate. Just a little bit more. I am a young kid and I am a free swinger, but I will be alright. MS: Do you think you have the opportunity to compete for a backup job or even a starting position next year for the Mets? VD: If the Mets give me an opportunity - yes. I will compete for a starting position. MS: How is John Stearns as a manager? VD: He’s a great guy. He boosts up the confidence. He is always alive and always telling you what to do. It’s good to have a manager like that with the experience of playing in the Big Leagues. He know how to get the job done. MS: Growing up, what team did you follow? VD: The Cubbies. MS: Final question. What have been the most memorable moments of your career? VD: My batting titles. This year my 20 home runs - a career high. The Futures Game. Hopefully this year in September when I get called up. Photo by the Norfolk Tides.
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