2016 Topes preview: Kyle Parker, take two

When first baseman/outfielder Kyle Parker was designated for assignment by the Rockies on Jan. 20, the assumption was that his career with the Rockies was over. Personally, I thought another team would claim Parker. But this is a tough time to claim a player on waivers. Almost every team is at their 40-player limit, so a claim requires potentially losing one of their current players.

Against that backdrop, we learned that Parker cleared waivers, and the Rockies outrighted him to triple-A Albuquerque. This means a likely return to the Isotopes in 2016.

A few days ago, we looked at Alex Castellanos' return to Albuquerque, his chances of getting a cameo in the majors, and a little on the Topes potential outfielders. Since then, outfielder Alex Dickerson was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays, and now Parker remains in the Rockies organization.

This is a win-win for the Isotopes because Castellanos and Parker, at least in the minor leagues, are legitimate hitters in the middle of the order. Both are looking for more opportunities to prove themselves in the majors. In the meantime, the Topes get a couple dudes who will make their offense a whole lot better.

Parker experienced a 2015 season that began as the most difficult of his career. His slash line was .152/.235/.250 after play on May 7. Hits started dropping in, here and there, and then Parker caught fire. His slash was .327/.340/.510 in May, and after a slight dip in June, he slashed .310/.364/.500 in July. Parker's path to the majors was opened with the multiple injuries to Dickerson, and later the release of Drew Stubbs.

With the Rockies, Parker started 27 games over the last two months (mostly in left field) and slashed .179/.233/.311 in 112 plate appearances.

Parker was originally drafted by the Rockies in 2010 with the 26th overall selection, out of Clemson University, where he played quarterback on the football team for two years, and played baseball for three years.

More transactions could occur before pitchers and catchers report. But as of now, the depth chart for the Rockies outfielders probably looks like this:

MLB -- Carlos Gonzalez, Charlie Blackmon, Gerardo Parra and Brandon Barnes (plus first baseman Ben Paulsen can play the outfield too).

AAA  -- Alex Castellanos, Noel Cuevas, David Dahl, Kyle Parker, Jordan Patterson, Michael Tauchman. [Intentionally listed alphabetically.]