Random Card of the Day #12

Random Card of the Day #12:

Sky Diamond - 2
Artifact

Sky Diamond comes into play tapped.
{T}: Add U to your mana pool.

Initial thoughts:

I hate this card. Absolutely. I have no idea what card this could replace over others. If you are using this for mana acceleration, depending on the format: Silver Myr, Mox Sapphire (trying to avoid this), Prismatic Lens, Manalith, Prophetic Prism, Khalni Gem, Darksteel Ingot, Paradise Mantle, just to name a few. Some of the named cards cost more, but do more--drawing a card, adding any color instead of just U, being indestructible--each of which are more flexible and is not forced into a situation that may not be optimal for the deck.

The only thing I could think of is if you have a deck that is splashing blue but still wants to run March of the Machines, and didn't want to use a second Island over this card because your other colored lands are more important. That is terrible deck construction. And even still you might run Star Compass over it. Also considering you didn't splash green to get something simple like Rampant Growth.

What's so funny, is that this card along with the others in the cycle, I actually played Fire Diamond because I didn't own enough Mountains. Now this was before I really even knew how to play. I had a 92 card deck. I played Cloak of Feathers to draw a card, instead of Ponder. I played Kavu Recluse so I could splash green. My strongest card was Panther Warriors and Razorman Hunter. My strongest removal was Hand of Death. I mean everyone's had their share of poor deck constuction, but this was the epitome of mine: A WUBRG pinging deck.

How to fix this card:

Take away the enters the battlefield tapped. Then it can be somewhat useful. Or optionally raise the cost, add a cantrip.

Fixed Sky Diamond - 2

Artifact

{T}: Add U to your mana pool.

or

Fixed Sky Diamond - 3

Artifact

When Fixed Sky Diamond enters the battlefield, draw a card.
Fixed Sky Diamond enters the battlefield tapped.
{T}: Add U to your mana pool.

The second one is oddly close to Prophetic Prism. But as that card stands currently, it is still one of the worst cards I have seen in a while. 1/5

On the other hand, the Mirage version of this card has some pretty sweet art.