KC Royals Designate World Series Hero Christian Colon for Assignment
By David Hill
Christian Colon will always be remembered by KC Royals fans. However, his time with the Royals may be coming to a close, as he was designated for assignment yesterday.
Second base has been a bit of a black hole for the KC Royals since the legendary Frank White retired. Since the end of the 1990 season, 15 different players have been the Royals primary second baseman. The likes of Chris Getz, Desi Relaford, and Ruben Gotay have had their chance at second, each proving to be a complete disaster.
That revolving door at second was supposed to end with Christian Colon. The fourth overall selection in the 2010 MLB Amateur Draft, he possessed a solid ability to put the bat on the ball and decent pop. While he may not have been expected to become a star, it seemed likely that he could end the Royals revolving door at second.
Those expectations increased when he made his first extended playing time in 2015. Omar Infante was essentially useless with the bat, and struggled with injuries. That allowed Colon to receive 119 plate appearances, and he responded with a .290/.356/.336 batting line. Colon also cemented his place in KC Royals lore with his only postseason plate appearance, when his 12th inning pinch hit RBI single gave the Royals the lead in the decisive Game Five of the World Series.
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However, Colon was unable to build on that promise. he struggled to a .231/.294/.293 batting line last season, and had just three this in 17 plate appearances this year. As such, yesterday the Royals designated their World Series hero for assignment, as part of a series of moves to clear places on the 40 man roster for Seth Maness and Al Alburquerque.
If this is indeed the end of Colon’s time in Kansas City, he joins a list of players who just never could make the most of their opportunity. Just like Mike Aviles or Johnny Giavotella, players that the fanbase wanted to see have more of a chance to prove themselves at second, Colon will need to go elsewhere for that chance.
There is a distinct possibility that Colon will be claimed by another team. His status as a former first round pick, and his decent showing in 2015 could lead another team to think he just needs a chance. If so, then Colon could join Aviles and Giavotella as other former options to thrive outside of Kansas City.
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Christian Colon will never need to purchase a drink in Kansas City. However, if he is going to get an opportunity to prove he can be a starting second baseman, it will not be with the KC Royals.