Colon showing versatility in pursuit of 2B job
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Christian Colon has been to a handful of training camps with the Royals, and he has parts of three seasons in the Majors under his belt. But as he tries to win a spot on his third straight Opening Day roster, it's been a uniquely competitive spring
SURPRISE, Ariz. --
"Every spring I try to do the best I can and help the team win," Colon said before Saturday's 4-4 tie with the Indians. "But this one's a little different just because of the no options and you've got to make the team. I just want to be part of this group, part of the 25, and help the Kansas City Royals get back to the postseason."
Colon, 27, is in a heated competition for the starting second-base job with Whit Merrifield -- who led all Royals with 55 starts at second in '16 -- and
"This group is very talented," Colon said. "We've got a lot of young, talented infielders. You've got to just keep up with them. At the same time, we've created a culture here where it's about winning first and foremost over anything. So that helps a lot -- just to go out there and concentrate on winning."
Colon is hitting his stride at the right time, going 5-for-11 over the past week, including a 3-for-4 spree with his first spring homer over his past two games entering Saturday.
"The timing is finally coming," Colon said. "Some guys, it takes 10 at-bats, some other guys it takes 30 or 40 at-bats. Just timing and knowing what you can do and the type of hitter you are."
Colon is hitting .344 (11-for-32) with three doubles and a homer in the Cactus League through Saturday. Merrifield was hitting .289 (11-for-38) with a double and two triples, and Mondesi was lighting up the league at .433 (13-for-30) with two doubles and two homers.
On Saturday, Colon made his fifth start at shortstop, getting a chance to show his versatility, while Merrifield started at second and Mondesi rested a tight back. Colon has also had four starts at second and three at third.
"Both [Colon and Merrifield], we're trying to move around a lot, but they can play anywhere in the infield," manager Ned Yost said. "Second is probably where Colon's most comfortable and his best position. He was signed as a shortstop."
With Merrifield having started at five positions last season -- second (55 starts), left (11), right (three), third (three) and first (one) -- Colon is working to feel at home in more spots on the diamond.
Ultimately, Colon is working to give the Royals the best shot at getting back to October -- and making Yost's final roster decisions as tough as possible.
"Any time you get in the lineup is a good time," Colon said.
Owen Perkins is a contributor to MLB.com.