Christian Colonel Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Christian Burkhardt Colonel
Born 12/25/1981 in Pocatello, ID
Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Texas Tech
Drafted in the 5th round (137th overall) by the Colorado Rockies in 2003 (signed for $200,000).

View Draft Report

At 6-foot-3 and 216 pounds, Christian Colonel has one of the best bodies among the draft's shortstop prospects. A ninth-round pick by the Mets out of the JC of Southern Idaho in 2002, he has sure hands and a strong arm. Big 12 observers weren't impressed by his bat, which was helped by Texas Tech's hitter-friendly Dan Law Field, though he did make good contact and showed a little power.

Top Rankings

Colonel has versatility that creates value at the big league level. Primarily a corner infielder, he also played second base, left field and right field for Colorado Springs in 2008, and was the emergency catcher for the SkySox in 2008. He is not a home run hitter, so given his positions, the ability to move around will allow him to get some at-bats. Colonel can provide offensive help, even while lacking the kind of power that would profile him as a regular at a corner spot. His career-best for home runs, 17, came in his second try at the Double-A Texas League, but he's hit .300 or better in each of the last three seasons, makes consistent contact with gap power and doesn't strike out much. An all-star selection each of the last two seasons, Colonel has decent speed, particularly once he is on the bases. He has an accurate arm and soft hands, which allows him to move around defensively without concerns. He isn't on the 40-man roster at age 27, meaning time is running out even for a versatile player like Colonel. He will have to earn a reserve spot on Colorado's roster to avoid a return to Triple-A.