The versatility of Christian Colonel has meant a lot to the Colorado Springs Sky Sox and manager Tom Runnells in terms of plugging positions vacated by players who have been called up to the Rockies.
He has been on call to play third base, first base, second base, left field and right field as the Rockies whittled away almost every position to replace injured players.
Colonel, a fifth-round draft choice in the 2003 June draft out of Texas Tech, hasn’t just filled the vacant spot in Runnells’ lineup.
Going into the weekend, Colonel was hitting .338, with 23 doubles, one triple, four home runs and 32 RBIs.
In a 10-game span, Colonel had four multiple-hit games, including two with three hits.
He’s a contact hitter, with just 33 strikeouts in 237 at-bats.
With all that on his record, Colonel is one of three Sky Sox players named to the Pacific Coast League all-star team that plays Wednesday against the International League all-stars in Louisville, Ky.
But Colonel feels left out and here’s why: First baseman Joe Koshansky and outfielder Seth Smith also were named to the PCL all-star team, but they won’t be playing in the game because they’re playing for the Rockies.
“I’d trade places with them without even thinking about it,” Colonel said. “There’s no doubt that I’d rather be in the big leagues than play in the All-Star Game.”
Colonel’s attitude toward the All-Star Game is more than it being an obligation. Rather, he relishes the honor.
He played in the Texas League All-Star Game last year while at Tulsa and making the midseason attraction is testament to a good season.
While he’s the only Sky Sox player going to the All-Star Game, he’s taking the credentials of a career year in his first try at the Triple-A level.
“The pitching is more advanced at Triple-A,” Colonel said. “The pitchers can throw any of their pitches on different counts. But I’m taking the same approach to the plate as I’ve done the last couple of years.”
His contact hitting paid dividends at Double-A when he hit .309, led the league in doubles with 47 and finished second in batting at .309 and RBIs with 84.
Runnells acknowledged Colonel’s versatility was even more than he expected.
“He’s even our emergency catcher,” Runnells said. “He’s played the corners in both the infield and the outfield and done a nice job everywhere he has been asked to play.”
Colonel looks at playing more than one position as keeping his options open as a utility player.
“If that’s a way to get into the big leagues, I’m fine with it,” Colonel said. “I’m just hoping to get my chance. I’ve played every position but shortstop, and that’s the position I played all the time growing up.”
While he won’t have any company on the trip to Louisville, Colonel knows he’ll be in contact before long with Koshansky and Smith.
“They’re buddies of mine and I hope they do well with the Rockies,” Colonel said. “But we’re big on fantasy football leagues and we’ll be getting together to draft before long.”
