Diamondbacks Claim CF Salazar off Waivers

With the acquisition of Willy Taveras, center fielder Jeff Salazar was a man caught between levels. Cory Sullivan returned to Triple-A, leaving nowhere for Salazar to go except the waiver wire, where the Diamondbacks soon pounced on the 26-year old.

Although he clubbed 29 home runs back in 2003, Jeff Salazar stopped hitting for power as soon as he surpassed A-ball.  His main strength now lies in maintaining a disciplined approach at the plate.  Salazar's strikeout and walk numbers are similar every year, and he boasts a career minor league OBP of .371.  He also possesses above average speed, a strong throwing arm, and a steady outfield glove.

The center fielder batted .283 with a .409 OBP in a September callup last year.  Ironically, he finished 0-for-7 with two strikeouts in the 14-inning marathon between Arizona and Colorado last fall.

Salazar will begin the season at Triple-A Tucson, likely as their starting center fielder.