Sunday February 19th, 2012

MLB reports – Jonathan Hacohen:   A special day on MLB reports. It is the first official day of Spring Training, as camps officially open and pitchers/catchers report for most teams. To honor this special day, we present a very important interview. An exciting interview. For today, we are featuring the highest MLB draft pick to grace the pages of MLB reports. Christian Colón of the Kansas City Royals. Originally a 10th round pick of the Padres in 2007, Christian waited to sign. The gamble paid off, as the Royals took the shortstop prospect in the 1st round of the 2010 draft, 4th overall. Christian completed his second professional last year, playing for AA Northwest Arkansas of the Texas League. He showed a nice overall game, stealing 17 bases in 127 games, while popping 8 home runs. Christian drove in 61 RBIs and scored 69 runs. With the ability to play shortstop as well as second base, the Royals have a very exciting prospect on their hands. With a prospect base including the likes of Hosmer, Myers, Moustakas, Lamb and Perez, expect Christian Colón to join the other top Royals prospects in KC very soon. The Royals look to build a dynasty, with playoff aspirations becoming a near reality. Christian Colón is certainly excited about to become part of that future.

Today on MLB reports, we proudly present Royals prospect and future lead-off hitter, Christian Colón:

Who was your favorite baseball player growing up, that you most idolized and patterned your game after?

My favorite players were Roberto Alomar and Derek Jeter. They played hard and with passion for the game.

Which current MLB star do you most admire and why?

Derek Jeter because of the great professional he is. He keeps it classy at all times and that’s very hard.

What are your goals going into the 2012 season?

Stay healthy, keep learning and win at any level they (the Royals) put me in. I am a winner, so that’s my goal: to win every night. Obviously to also make my (MLB) debut ASAP!

Did you play any other sports growing up?  Why did you choose baseball as your sport?

No, I really didn’t.  I played a little bit of basketball but Baseball was always my sport because I loved it from the minute I started back when I was 4.

When you first found out you were drafted, what were your reactions?  Did you expect to go to the Royals?

I was super excited I was picked by the Royals. I kept hearing so many great things about the organization, so I really couldn’t wait. To this day, they are a great class act organization.

Fourth overall pick in 2010- any pressure since you were drafted very high and play in a team full of top prospects? Did you feel the “hype” going into professional baseball?

Maybe a little bit… I’m not going to lie. But I feel like that’s past me now and I am ready to really get this going. I feel great about this year!

What facets of your game do you most wish to improve upon?

All of it! I love to keep getting better all-around.

How do home runs, stolen bases and walks figure into your game?  Are you a speed, power guy or both? Where is your “ideal” spot in the batting order and why?

My game is to be on base for those guys like Hosmer and Moose. My job is to score runs and play good defense day-in and day-out. Yes, I will have a few home runs, but really that’s not my job. I need to steal bags and pretty much set the table for a big inning. I almost always have hit in the number 2 spot, but the 6 spot is also good for me.

Long-term- do you see yourself at short or second?

Either one I can play with confidence. It’s up to the Royals to decide. I would say second, just as a guess.

How did you find Northwest Arkansas last year? What was the jump like to AA?

I liked playing at NWA last season, fans were outstanding. People really came out and supported us! My first full season in Double A was a year where I learned a lot about myself and the Pro-side. Most people say “oh well, he didn’t have that great of a year”. But reality is that I was learning all of this in Double A, not in rookie ball like most players. So I will be fine.

If you had to look into a crystal ball, when do you see your expected time of arrival in the big leagues and what do you think you need to do most to get there?

Not exactly sure and I try to not think about it, because that really isn’t helpful to a player. But I would guess very soon.

If you were not playing professional baseball, you would be ____________

Homicide investigator.

What do you do for fun away from the ballpark?

Work out, listen to music, hang out with friends and family. Really focus on my career.

Have you ever been to Kansas City?

Yes I have. Beautiful city and people. The stadium is amazing!

Final thoughts?

I really want to thank you guys for the interview. Hopefully I will be helping the Royals win a World Series soon!

***Thank you to Christian Colón for taking the time today to speak with us on MLB reports.  You can follow Christian on Twitter (@C_Colon4). Good luck on the upcoming season Christian.  Royals fans are looking forward to watching you get on base and turning double plays for the next decade in KC!***

Jonathan Hacohen is the Lead Baseball Columnist & Editor for MLB reports:  You can follow Jonathan on Twitter (@JHacohen)

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