Former Met Prospect Victor Diaz gets Traded

The New York Mets today acquired minor league catcher Mike Nickeas from the Texas Rangers in exchange for outfielder Victor Diaz. Nickeas will report to St. Lucie (A) of the Florida State League while Diaz will be assigned to Oklahoma (AAA) of the Pacific Coast League.

Nickeas, 23, appeared in 17 games with Bakersfield (A) of the California League this year, batting .297 (19-64) with six runs scored, four doubles and six RBI. Mike missed three weeks of action in May with a pulled hamstring before he was promoted to Frisco (AA) of the Texas League on May 28th. Nickeas hit .248 (28-113) with 15 runs scored, seven doubles, two home runs, 15 RBI with 21 walks and 22 strikeouts in 39 contests with Frisco.

Mike batted .202 (49-242) with seven doubles, one triple, five home runs and 24 RBI in 68 games with Frisco in 2005. He also, hit .286 (6-21) with one double, one home run and one RBI with the rookie-level Arizona Rangers.

Nickeas was named the best defensive catcher in the Rangers' organization by Baseball America in 2005.

The 6-0, 205-pounder was Texas' fifth round selection in the June, 2004 Free Agent Draft after spending
three years at George Tech.

Diaz, 24, was designated for assignment on August 22nd. He hit .224 (85-379) with 30 runs scored, 16 doubles, eight home runs, 38 RBI, 25 walks and 99 strikeouts in 103 games at Norfolk (AAA) of the International League.

Good deal, Diaz was a bust in my opinion who never lived up to the hype. Remember he was considered to challenge Nady for the starting job in Right Field in Spring Training