Prospect Countdown: #12 Christian Colon

#12 Christian Colon


Age: 22
Position: SS
Height: 6-1
Weight: 180
Acquired: Drafted 4th Overall in the 2010 Amateur Draft
From: Cayey, Puerto Rico



In the 2010 Amateur Draft there were three top-notch bonifide prospects: Bryce Harper, Jameson Taillon, and Manny Machado. Unfortunately, the Kansas City Royals selection came fourth. After hearing rumors that the Royals were leaning toward Chris Sale, and then hearing the Royals had a pre-draft agreement with Yasmani Grandal. Eventually, the dust settled and Christian Colon was a Royal.

One benefit of the Christian Colon selection was that he agreed almost immediately to the recommended slot bonus. Thanks to the speed of the negotiation, Colon was able to get sixty professional games under his belt in the 2010 season. Colon didn't dominate in his first professional stint, but considering he was fresh out of college and playing in Frawley Stadium his numbers weren't a disappointment.

The 2011 season was a different story. Christian Colon, who many already believe to lack the range to be an adequate big league shortstop, posted 18 errors. What was more concerning though, was Colon's bat. Christian Colon has pretty average tools across the board, but his bat had always been considered plus. When your bat is supposed to be the tool that carries you to the show, and you hit .257/.325/.342, it becomes a cause for concern.

The good news is that Colon, put his problems behind him in the Arizona Fall League. There he hit .299/.365/.429, while playing almost exclusively at second base. The Royals will continue to play him at short stop, but as a second baseman, Colon's displays above average range. Long term Colon should stick as either a second baseman or utility infielder.

Colon will return to Northwest Arkansas in 2012, but given his supposed polish, he could be ready extremely quickly. At the moment Giavotella is the second baseman of the future for Kansas City, but if Colon hits like scouts initially anticipated his defensive upside and bat could eventually unseat him.

Photo taken from Around the Horn KC