Previewing the 2015 Isotopes -- First Base

Our look at the possible 2015 Albuquerque Isotopes roster continues with a preview of first base. Earlier, we looked at the possible catchers. 

First base is a position of strength for the Colorado Rockies. Justin Morneau signed a modest two-year, $12.5-million contract in Dec. 2013 and won the National League batting title in his first year with the Rockies. Morneau, entering his age-34 season, is a bargain this year -- and the Rockies hold a reasonable $9 million option for 2016 as well.

Even with a short trip to the disabled list for a neck strain, Morneau started 126 games, played in 135, and amassed 550 plate appearances. Morneau doesn't need many days off, although his platoon splits in 2014 (.254/.288/.377 vs. lefties and .341/.389/.538 against righties) might inspire manager Walt Weiss to rest Morneau against left-handers more often.

Catcher Wilin Rosario worked at first base, and the corner outfield positions, during the winter in hopes of turning him into more of a super utility player. If the right-handed batting Rosario is able to handle the position defensively, he'd be a natural replacement for the rare times Morneau doesn't start. Reserve infielder Charlie Culberson is also capable of playing first base occasionally, but not every day if Morneau went on the disabled list.

Who plays first base for the Isotopes depends on who the Rockies keep as reserves.

Keeping track of the 2013 Isotopes

Updated Jan. 29, 2015

Most people think of a player on a triple-A roster as one phone call away from the major leagues. That's true. But I like to remind people those same players are also one phone call away from their careers ending. They might be knocking on the door to the majors, but there's another group of players in single-A and double-A ready for a promotion.

That's something to keep in mind as you review the 2013 Isotopes. That was just two seasons ago. It's remarkable how many players are either out of baseball, or the writing is on the wall that their career will be ending soon. It's a harsh reality of life in professional baseball.

LHP Geison Aguasviva did not play in 2014.

C Eliezer Alfonzo played for Oaxaca in the Mexican League in 2014. Other than 19 games for the Topes in 2013, Alfonzo has played three straight years in the Mexican League. The 2015 campaign will be his age-36 season.

INF Alfredo Amezaga utilized the opt-out clause in his contract in June 2013 to leave the Dodgers organization and play for Tigres de Quintana Roo in Cancun. Amezaga played for the same team in 2014. He posted an impressive .313/.389/.412 slash line. This will be his age-37 season, so it’s probably Mexico or nowhere for Amezaga.

Previewing the 2015 Isotopes -- Catcher

The Rockies signed free agent catcher Nick Hundley to a two-year contract in the offseason, hoping to improve the team's defense behind the plate. At the time, Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich said the signing wasn't a precursor to a trade of Wilin Rosario and the team might keep three catchers in the majors. Indeed, Rosario wasn't traded, he's been working at first base and the corner outfield positions, and could be a super-utility player.

With the usual caveat that injuries and trades can change things, we'll project the Rockies major-league club to carry three catchers: Hundley, Rosario and Michael McKenry (who is out of options).

Now let's see what remains for the Rockies triple-A team in Albuquerque.

Top prospects at the position, according to Baseball America: Tom Murphy (#7 in 2014 and #6 in 2015); Jose Briceno (#29 in 2015).

Tom Murphy

Tom Murphy is considered by most to be the top catching prospect in the organization. He was drafted in the third round out of Buffalo University in 2012 and signed for $454,000. But he only played in 23 games last year at double-A Tulsa due to a shoulder injury, so it was essentially a lost year. He's been compared similarly to former Rockies catcher Chris Ianetta. Based on last year's injury, it's tough to imagine Murphy starting with the Isotopes, but a strong first half could put him in the PCL before the season ends.

Jose Briceno was at low-A Asheville last year and still only 21 years old, so he's a couple years from triple-A. [Jan. 30, 2015 update: Briceno was traded to the Braves, along with fellow Rockies minor league catcher Chris O'Dowd, for right-handed relievers David Hale and Gus Schlosser.]

Recapping the Rockies Winter Caravan in Albuquerque

The reception all over in Albuquerque was impressive yesterday for the Colorado Rockies' Winter Caravan stop. The Rockies sent general manager Jeff Bridich, field manager Walt Weiss, reigning National League batting champion Justin Morneau, 2014 all-star outfielder Charlie Blackmon and their mascot Dinger.

Mayor Richard Berry issued a proclamation that it was "Colorado Rockies" Day in Albuquerque, then Bridich presented him a heavy Rockies jacket for those cold nights. The Rockies contingent visited Eugene Field Elementary School for a "Make an Impact Program" presentation, then visited with patients at UNM's Children's Hospital. After a stop at Frontier Restaurant for something to eat, the day concluded at Isotopes Park. Fans were able to questions for about an hour, then signed autographs for an hour.

The Q&A was a mix of serious and not-so-serious questions, from young and old fans, and there was a little bit of news that came from it. Here's a few of the highlights:

Keeping track of the 2014 Isotopes

Updated on Jan. 31, 2015

Updating the former Isotopes gets more confusing with the affiliation switch from the Dodgers to the Rockies. No matter what, the Topes roster will be completely different in 2015. Virtually everybody from 2014 is gone.

For simplicity purposes, this list will be players who are no longer in the Dodgers organization. If somebody isn't listed, that means they're still under contract to the Dodgers, or they're an unsigned free agent. 

OF Mike Baxter signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs, the last week of January 2015. It was surprising that Baxter remained unsigned so long. He didn't have a great 2014, but rallied in the final six weeks to still post a respectable .289/.365/.439 slash line. He also plays excellent defense at all three positions, along with smart base running and a good attitude. At age 29, Baxter is well past prospect status. But he's a solid veteran for a triple-A team and provides organizational depth.

OF Roger Bernadina: signed a minor league contract with Colorado Rockies (Dec. 2014). The affiliation switch means that Bernadina is a former Isotope who is likely to become a current Isotope once again. Bernadina will join, among others, catcher John Baker (Marlins, Dodgers) who played for the Topes with two different organizations. We didn't see much of Bernadina last year. He was signed in early July, then was injured in a collision at first-base against Fresno, not too long after the Dodgers signed him. The injury ended up lingering much longer than expected. Wouldn't surprise me if Bernadina goes back-and-forth between the Rockies and Isotopes a few times in 2015.