As we await news of Eric Hinske's decision on whether he will accept the offer from the Braves or Brewers, the Braves came out with a piece of information that helps clear the outfield situation a little more. Matt Diaz is not expected to be tendered a contract.
According to Mark Bowman, the Braves intend to pass on Diaz's services in 2011. Diaz made it known after the season ended that he would be willing to accept basically the same contract for next season. However, with the trade for Dan Uggla and subsequent move of Martin Prado to left field, Diaz quickly lost his regular platoon spot in the outfield. Also, with the signing of utility man Joe Mather, it spelled a possible end to Diaz's time in Atlanta.
Diaz hit .305/.353/.461 in five seasons with the Braves. His career line against LHP is .335/.373/.533. Diaz has always been a valuable member of the Braves as the right-handed side of the left field platoon. The season that put him on the map with the Braves was 2007, when he hit .338/.368/.497 with 12 home runs and 45 RBI. However, Diaz's weakness has always been a tendency to hit only for average. His career BB% of 5.1% shows he depended entirely on average for his value, not to mention a lack of power for the plate discipline.
The Braves continue to wait for whether Hinske will accept the Braves' offer to remain as the left-handed hitter off the bench. Also mentioned in Bowman's article: the Braves will tender contracts to Prado, Jair Jurrjens, Peter Moylan and Eric O'Flaherty.