The CBB continues our countdown to the 2009 College Baseball season with our Top 50 players to watch. We will be providing one player each day (Monday-Saturday) until we reach number 1.
We continue our list with Christian Colon of Cal State Fullerton. Colon started every game in ’08 for Dave Serrano and the Titans, and has shown the type of leadership early on that warrants this high position on this list as a sophomore.
Colon had some struggles at the plate in ’08 adjusting to the college game, but the 10th round pick of the Padres adjusted properly and by most accounts had a great season, finishing with a .329 average and 59 runs scored. At a .406 OBP in ’08, he’s a reliable threat to get on base in the #2 spot in the order. He only had 13 steals last season on 16 attempts, but he could have more chances to steal in ’09 if he takes over the leadoff spot with Fellhauer possibly moving down to secure the middle of the order.
Even though Christian’s number all around were great for a freshman shortstop, one area where Colon needs to improve in ’09 is with his glove. His fielding percentage of .937 left something to be desired last season, though after watching him first hand during the Fullerton Regional and Super Regional, I noticed he makes a lot of plays other shortstops just flat out can’t make. He routinely gets to balls that are headed for the outfield and either creates outs, or prevents runners from scoring from 2nd on balls that would otherwise make it to the outfield. Colon improved on his fielding percentage in International play this summer, and although he is no Omar Vizquel, the 2007 Rawlings High School Gold Glove winner has the ability to impress many people with his glove. Fullerton is bringing a lot of talent back from the ’08 squad, and if the rest of the Titans can be productive at the plate, Colon has a chance to show the entire country what he can do in Omaha in ’09. (Full Reports from Fullerton Regional and Fullerton Super Regional.)
Colon spent the summer of 2008 with the USA Collegiate National Team. He ended up spending the summer playing second base every day appearing in all 24 games. (He was moved to second base due to the fact that the team had a large contingent of shortstops with Ryan Jackson of Miami (FL) holding down the spot for the summer.) Colon continued with his erratic defense making five errors with 36 putouts and 62 assists. He finished the summer with a .263 average with a home run and 14 RBI. He ended up picking up five stolen bases in nine attempts.
We should have reports all season on Cal-State Fullerton and Christian Colon as they try to return to Omaha after a one year hiatus.
You can check out the full top 50 by clicking here.
Thanks to Brian Foley for contributing to this report.
