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Cota

Cota has been a disappointment since hitting .368/.476/625 in Rookie ball in 2001, but back in the California League and at his natural position of first base this year, he’s off to a nice start, hitting .372/.417/.698 in 11 games. He’s only 22, so he still has a chance to turn into a useful player.

The 23-year-old Cota remains stuck in Double-A because the Diamondbacks have Conor Jackson at first base in Triple-A. It’s been a few years since Cota was regarded as a top prospect, but he is hitting .319/.356/.541 this season. Japan would seem to be his best chance for having a career.

Cota, 22, struggled for two years after a terrific Rookie ball campaign in 2001, but he again resembles as a prospect this season, batting .403/.435/.645 in 16 games for Single-A Lancaster and .328/.354/.513 in 50 games for El Paso. Since he’s been playing in hitter’s parks and his walk rate is well down, he’s not someone to get too excited about. His performance in Triple-A next year will determine whether he has any chance of becoming a regular.