The Arizona Diamondbacks have one of the best MiLB systems in the MLB. Their prospects are ranked among the top 3 in the MLB. That's a big credit to the work of GM Mike Hazen and his team It speaks to the hard work of the coaches too. On an off day for the minor leagues, I figured we would take a look at the hot/cold hitters for the Diamondbacks minor league teams. This is a good reminder of the players that will soon play for the Diamondbacks. It also serves as a potential time journey into the future of who might reach the MLB. These names will be limited to only those that classify as prospects and that aren't in the MLB or not with that current level.
The Diamondbacks Hot/Cold Single-A Visalia Rawhide Hitters Edition
Hot: Gary Mattis
Mattis has been exploding at the plate lately with a .395/.465/.605 batting line over his last 10 games. He has 5 doubles, a home run, 8 RBI, 2 stolen bases and walks, and 10 strikeouts. He's certainly proven he can handle the shortstop job that Lawler left open.
Cold: Ivan Melendez
This was more about a chance to write about a recent draft pick by the Dbacks, Melendez has already advanced to Single-A despite being drafted a few weeks ago. He has 1 hit in 9 at-bats with a walk as well. His potential is great and the fact he's already this high speaks to his current ability.
Hot: JJ D'Orazio
JJ has been doing it on both ends of the plate, hitting and catching. Despite being a catcher, he has hit very well. He has a .265/.359/.382 batting line of his last 10 games. In that time, he has walked 5 times while striking out 7 and has a double, home run, and 4 RBI. Keep putting up numbers like that and he will get promoted.
Cold: Sheng-Ping Chen
Sheng has been a good defender in the infield, but his bat is ice-cold. He has zero hits in his last 21 at-bats. Ouch. He has walked 6 times while striking out 6 times. Perhaps, it's bad luck, because he understands the strike zone. It might be a bad case of weak contact and bad luck, but either way, he's got to get it going soon.
Hot Honorable Mentions: Juan Corniel, Junior Franco
Cold Honorable Mentions: Daniel Torres, Jacen Roberson