The star of the Diamondbacks’ Arizona Fall League contingent of prospects has been corner infielder Ivan Melendez. After a record-setting season at the University of Texas, his near top of the scale raw power and high makeup prompted the D-backs to select him with their second round pick in the previous year’s draft. He only played in 96
games due to injuries, but in his first full season with the team, he blasted 30 home runs. Sent to the Fall League because he thought he still needed more reps.
Trying to get back into a groove with a few additional at-bats has been fantastic. playing with large men from various associations.”
Players from five different organizations make up each fall league team; the Rockies, Tigers, Braves, and Pirates join the D-backs to form the Salt River Rafters. That entails getting to know a whole new group of teammates and forming bonds with individuals he will probably face off against in the future.
You’re making friends and learning about other men’s cultures, values, and ways of doing things in their organizations. It’s simply beneficial to observe how people operate outside of your company.”
Melendez, who saw just two plate appearances and went 0-for-1, was the D-backs’ lone representative in the Fall Stars Game. In the sixth inning, when pinch hitting for Jacob Berry, he was hit by a pitch from Emiliano Teodo and struck out in the eighth. Despite not getting any opportunities to field, he spent the final four innings at third base.
Melendez stated earlier in the fall season that he was going to try to improve in two-strike situations and reduce the number of strikeouts. Out of 93 plate appearances in 20 games, he has struck out 24 times (26%). After recording a 34% strikeout rate in the minor league season, it’s a step in the right direction, even though it’s not necessarily very predictive in the long run. Given his amount of power to anchor the center of a lineup, that will be his biggest area of development as a prospect.
“I was super nervous, heart rate was going through the roof. After the first five swings, I didn’t think I was going to get one. I just didn’t want to lay a goose egg, but it turned out just fine. We put up a show, we had a blast, we were cheering guys on even if we were competing against them. We know how hard it is being in the box and everybody watching you. It’s like a spotlight, it’s like a show, everybody is watching you.”
“My heart rate was through the roof, and I was quite anxious. I wasn’t expecting to get a swing after the first five. I simply didn’t want to lay a goose egg, but everything worked out perfectly. We performed well, had a great time, and supported the boys even though we were in competition with them. We are aware of how difficult it is to be in the box with everyone staring at you. Everyone is observing you, so it’s like being in the spotlight or on stage.”
