Rockies finally developing second basemen

Josh Rutledge

The Rockies have long tried to develop second basemen and now they are and they have two potentially good ones.

Rockies' fans now know of Josh Rutledge, a shortstop by trade but a second baseman when Troy Tulowitzki returns. Rutledge will give Colorado a solid offensive asset for their lineup and will be better defensively at second than at short.

Only injury or failure to improve plate defense can derail Rutledge from being a quality, longtime starter.

Rutledge has hit .321 in his first 28 MLB games with 19 extra-base hits and 21 RBI and while he's not that good, he will be the best pivot the organization has ever developed.

But he's not the only one for that position now as at Low-A Asheville is Taylor Featherston, another shortstop who is a better defensive fit at second.

Taylor Featherston

Featherston, a fifth-round pick in the 2011 draft out of Texas Christian University, is hitting .293 with 22 doubles, three triples and 10 homers while also driving in 43 runs. He has 14 steals in 17 attempts as well.

While he has impressed by drawing 50 walks, he has struck out 70 times.

Featherston will have to play at a high level next year at High-A Modesto to remain a hot prospect but he looks strong now and I am labeling him a sleeper prospect to remember.