Matt Diaz

When a player hits .333 over the past two seasons you believe he deserves an oppurtunity to start. Braves LF Matt Diaz has done just that. In 502 at-bats since July 30, 2006, he's hit .339 with 29 doubles, 17 homers, 61 RBIs and a .373 on-base percentage. Diaz has also worked dilligently to improve his defense, and manager Bobby Cox has noticed. "He's improved — he's a good defensive player now," Cox said. "He did a great job in the outfield last year. With the loss of CF Andruw Jones, the...Read Full Story

Atlanta OF Matt Diaz (thumb) has been swinging the bat aggressively during batting practice this week and could be close to being cleared to start a minor league rehab assignment, according to MLB.com. “[Tuesday] was the first day that I was able to really swing without worrying about my thumb,” Diaz said. Manager Bobby Cox has been pleased with Diaz’s progress over the past three days. “He’s swinging aggressively,” Cox said. “He looks normal to me.” Diaz has been sidelined since May 14 with...Read Full Story

Atlanta OF Matt Diaz (thumb) has been swinging the bat aggressively during batting practice this week and could be close to being cleared to start a minor league rehab assignment, according to MLB.com. “[Tuesday] was the first day that I was able to really swing without worrying about my thumb,” Diaz said. Manager Bobby Cox has been pleased with Diaz’s progress over the past three days. “He’s swinging aggressively,” Cox said. “He looks normal to me.” Diaz has been sidelined since May 14 with...Read Full Story

Manager Bobby Cox cried in spring training when his wife threw a retirement party for him, his coaches say. The Braves have scheduled a retirement bash Oct. 2, the day of their next-to-last scheduled game. By Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesBraves veteran Chipper Jones has played below his career standards but won’t discuss retirement until season’s end. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don’t attack other readers personally, and keep...Read Full Story

As per David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution: Former #Braves OF Matt Diaz drawing interest from #Yankees and a few other teams Non-tendered by the Braves on Thursday, Diaz is a lefty-mashing corner-outfielder. I discussed him a bit as a potential target for the Yankees on Friday. For the sake of your mouse-clicking finger, here's a re-post of my sentiments: Diaz is the first of three players that could fill the void left by Marcus Thames - a destroyer of southpaws. The former...Read Full Story