3.107 Colorado Rockies - Josh Rutledge, SS, Alabama

The Rockies spent the 107th overall pick on Josh Rutledge.

Follow the jump for his pre-draft report.

Josh Rutledge   Position: SS   School: Alabama   State: AL   Year: Jr.   Height: 6’1’’   Weight: 190

Bats: R   Throws: R   Birth Date: 4/21/89   Seiler Rating: 2C2   Last Drafted: Never

Josh Rutledge is a smooth-fielding college shortstop from the University of Alabama. Rutledge originally came to Alabama from Cullman High School in Cullman, Alabama, a small town about 50 miles north of Birmingham. He was seen purely as a college prospect in high school due to his lack of plus tools, and he went undrafted in the 2007 draft, heading instead for college in Tuscaloosa. He started for the Crimson Tide immediately upon coming to campus, and he put up huge numbers for a freshman in 2008, setting up high expectations for him as a possible first round pick in the 2010 college class. He regressed as a sophomore, though, and that talked died down. He recovered well as a junior, though, and he’s now seen as one of the better college shortstops in this class. Scouts generally see him as a possible starting shortstop at the Major League level, but he needs to continue developing his bat to reach that potential. At the plate, he’s a fringe-average hitter with some gap power, but he chases too many pitches out of the strike zone, meaning that will be his biggest obstacle to success against pro pitching. If pro pitchers can continually get him out with breaking balls in the dirt, they won’t let up. His power is below-average, but he’s not completely powerless. He’s an above-average runner, so that’s one part of his offensive game that should translate well. His defense is his calling card, though, as he shows above-average range and hands, as well as an above-average arm, meaning he’s going to stick at shortstop. He has all the tools to go in the third to sixth round, where he should be signable for slot money.