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Slugging (or lack thereof) Prospect Wagner Mateo Converted to Pitcher


After struggling to make any contact the past calender year playing in the low affiliates, it was announced today by the Missoula Osprey that Wagner Mateo would be converted to a pitcher. In 9 games before being demoted to Missoula, Mateo had only 5 hits in 32 at bats (.156 avg), paired with 13 strike outs for Hillsboro. In four games with Missoula he hit .333 in 15 at bats, and another 4 strikeouts. These numbers are a drastic improvement compared to last year at Yakima, where he struck out 85 times in only 186 at bats (and another 13 in 38 at bats for Visalia).

Originally signed by the St. Louis Cardinals as an international free agent. The Cardinals voided the contract on September 22, 2009, citing concerns over Mateo's vision. The Diamondbacks inked Mateo to an estimated $512,000 deal on May 17, 2010 and assigned him to their team in the Dominican Summer League. He hasn't found much success since signing, only hitting above .230 once in his professional career.

He was signed for his immense raw power, so it'll be interesting to see what he can bring to the mound.