Jake Diekman Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Jacob Tanner Diekman
Born 01/21/1987 in Wymore, NE
Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 195 / Bats: R / Throws: L
School Cloud County CC
Debut 05/15/2012
Drafted in the 30th round (923rd overall) by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2007.

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Jacob Diekman is a projectable 6-foot-4, 190-pound lefthander who flashed low-90s velocity and a decent slider this spring. He's still inconsistent with the quality of his stuff and his command, but he'll be picked in 2007, and he'll play at Nebraska next year if he doesn't sign.

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The Phillies have learned firsthand in recent years the difficulties a situational lefthanded reliever can present in late-game situations, and they're close to having one of their own with Diekman. He was slated to attend Nebraska after pitching at Cloud State (Kan.) CC, but Philadelphia signed him for $85,0000 in the 30th round in 2007 after watching him pitch in the summer collegiate MINK League. He spent the first two years of his pro career as a starter, but he had limited success and effectiveness, so he worked with then-Lakewood pitching coach Bob Milacki to lower his slot to sidearm and moved to the bullpen in 2009. It took time for Diekman to get comfortable with his new role and delivery, but he has taken off since the second half of 2010. He has a live, loose arm that produces 88-94 mph fastballs to go with sweeping 78-80 mph sliders. He needs to work on command and throwing consistent strikes, though he has good mound presence. He should have major league value as at least a left-on-left specialist, as Double-A lefties hit just .099 with a .110 slugging percentage against him last year. He spent his second straight offseason in the Arizona Fall League and has a chance to reach Philadelphia in 2012.