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It was the fall of 2007 when Scott Diamond should have been buying books, checking DARS, preparing for graduation and most importantly, gearing up for his last year with the Binghamton University baseball tam. After another exceptional summer season, however, the left-handed pitcher had plans of his own.

On Aug. 23, 2007, Diamond signed a professional contract with the Atlanta Braves and instead of long hours of class, the 21-year-old was summoned to instructional league at the Braves spring training complex in Orlando.

In his first season on the farm, the prospect spent time between Low-A and High-A, compiling an impressive 15-3 record with a 2.89 ERA. Along with 123 strikeouts to 39 walks in 2008, the Braves were confident the southpaw could handle the large leap to Double-A in 2009.

Based on his stats and progress throughout his career, Diamond continually proved himself to be an important lefty to the organization. Tossing his fastball in the high 80s to low 90s, Diamond added three other pitches to his repertoire, including a cutting fastball, curve and change-up. Though scouts say none of his secondary pitches are incredible, his fearless ability to hit certain spots and change speeds is above average.

Despite a losing record, Diamond showed poise when faced against the increasingly better talent in his first year in the upper minors. He saw his walk rate and hits allowed numbers rise but kept his strikeout rate consistent, keeping his stock up among Braves’ pitching prospects.

After successfully pitching his way through 2009 in what many would call the most difficult transition in the minors, critics scattered Diamond in their top 25 prospect rankings for the organization and believed his stuff could land him a major league job in the future.

After his success against Double-A batters in 2010, Diamond was promoted to Triple-A Gwinnett after the All-Star break, becoming the first BU alum to pitch in minor league baseball’s highest level.

Diamond debuted with a start on July 16 in Buffalo. The Bisons roughed up the Guelph, Ontario native for six earned runs over 3.0 innings. The tough start didn’t get to his head, though, as he rebounded with a strong one-run performance at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre the next time out.

With his two starts resulting in no-decisions, Diamond secured his first win in his third go-around, holding the visiting Rochester Red Wings to one hit over six innings. The ‘pie-to-the-face’ win got the ball moving for Diamond, who dodged a loss during the entire head-turning month of August.

Diamond took his game to another level on Aug. 30 in the G-Braves’ final home game of the season. Carrying a 3-0 record and a 2.91 ERA into his ninth start, the left-hander went the distance for his first career complete-game shutout. His gem included eight strikeouts and one walk while throwing 77 of his 112 pitches for strikes. Facing the minimum through seven innings, Diamond took his no-hitter into the eighth, before giving up a lead-off double.

Diamond ended 2010 with a loss, finishing his third full season in the minors with a 4-1 record and 3.36 ERA for the Braves’ Triple-A club.

With 2010 coming to a close, there has been talk about Diamond cracking the Braves’ 2011 rotation. However, with Tim Hudson, Tommy Hanson and Jair Jurrjens all returning, and 2009 1st rounder Mike Minor major-league ready, Diamond will have to continue his strong performances through the off-season, spring training and early on in 2011 to prove he is a candidate if the big club needs him.

As for now, Diamond is representing Canada in the Pan-Am qualifier next month in Puerto Rico. This is not the Bearcat alum’s first time playing for his country, as he competed for Team Canada in the 2009 World Baseball Classic as a reliever. This year, as the team’s best starter among other Canadian minor leaguers, Diamond will be looked upon to lead Canada through games against Team USA and several other Latin-American teams.