Brent Butler
| AB | 553 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .248 |
| OBP | .285 |
| SLG | .38 |
| HR | 11 |
- Full name Justin Brent Butler
- Born 02/11/1978 in Laurinburg, NC
- Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 180 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Scotland
- Debut 07/04/2001
- Drafted in the 3rd round (68th overall) by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1996.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Butler came to the Rockies after the 1999 season as part of a seven-player trade that also brought closer Jose Jimenez to Colorado. Butler originally was signed as a shortstop and has been tried at all the infield positions except first base. He settled in at second base at Colorado Springs in 2000, though he also made 25 starts at shortstop. There's nothing about Butler that stands out physically, but he has a good feel for the game and doesn't make mistakes. He makes contact, hits for average and can provide an occasional double or walk. He likely will wind up as a utility player in the big leagues, but if he develops more upper-body strength he could win a full-time job at second base. He figures to return to Colorado Springs to open 2001 and share the middle-infield chores with Elvis Pena. -
Background: Though he was a Carolina League all-star at 20 and led his team in RBIs, Butler wasn't satisfied with his season. It was the first time in his young career that he didn't hit better than .300. Strengths: Everyone who has watched him for any length of time loves Butler because of the way he plays. None of his tools stands out, but he is fundamentally sound and competitive. His bat is his No. 1 asset. He's a proven run producer with a patient approach at the plate, and he should add power. Weaknesses: Because he lacks speed and range, people have been trying to move Butler off shortstop from the time he signed. He makes plays with his instincts and accurate arm, but he made 29 errors last year. The Future: Butler is penciled in as the Opening Day shortstop at Double-A, and the Cardinals will leave him there as long as they can. A move to second or third is still a strong possibility, though.
