SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Rockies’ catcher of the future is in camp, but he might not play defense once this spring.
Double-A star Wilin Rosario is easing back into shape after undergoing knee surgery, leaving Chris Iannetta to rehab his career as the Rockies’ starter.
What if Iannetta struggles in April, when he’s a career .199 hitter in 47 games? Then what? Or more specifically, then who?
“We don’t have an answer yet,” manager Jim Tracy said. “It’s an open competition.”
It’s more like “American Idol” auditions. There are no fewer than five candidates — Jose Morales, Matt Pagnozzi, Mike McKenry, Chad Moeller and Jordan Pacheco — who have started.
Morales, who was behind the plate Monday, is considered the slight favorite to win the backup job. He can hit, with a .286 average in 621 minor-league games. Almost on cue, he doubled and scored in the second inning.
However, Morales, acquired from the Twins, doesn’t fit the traditional backup profile of a catch-and-throw guy. He is a converted shortstop who is still learning the nuances of catching. He dropped a popup in the fourth inning Monday and threw wide on a stolen-base attempt, but also fired a dart to second in the seventh inning.
“I know I have to get better,” said Morales, 28. “I will continue to work at every facet. But I really like my chances here.”
Matt Pagnozzi, a 28-year-old former Cardinals farmhand, prepared for his chance by watching extensive videos this winter of the Rockies’ staff. He has never had a clear path to a backup job and wasn’t about to squander this.
“All you can ask for is an opportunity. They told me that they would likely sign more guys after I signed, but they have been true to their word. I have a chance here,” Pagnozzi said.
McKenry, 26, arrived at camp leaner, stronger and at peace mentally. Normally high strung, he’s cleared his head, focusing on work, not the depth chart. McKenry is the homegrown coach-on-the-field type who has been overshadowed by the rise of Rosario, and to a lesser degree Pacheco.
McKenry loves calling a game but has to prove he can hit. He has struggled this spring with a .200 average.
“They have a lot of options, and it seems like we are all different,” Mc-Kenry said. “I am not worried about things that are out of my control.”
Moeller, 36, was a late winter free-agent addition. He has bounced around the big leagues, serving as a quasi-backup for eight organizations. He hasn’t played in more than 66 games since 2005. Moeller lives just down the road from Salt River Fields and couldn’t resist a final chance to live at home and take one last crack at making a roster.
Pacheco, 25, has created more buzz than any other catching prospect. Numerous veterans have offered unsolicited praise of his hitting approach, prompting Tracy to admit: “He brings a very interesting presence. He’s a legitimate offensive player who’s eventually going to be in the big leagues.”
Tracy said it would be “a stretch” for Pacheco to make the opening-day roster, because he needs to play every day.
In the short term, the Rockies need Iannetta to return to his 2008 form. If he doesn’t? There’s a five-man panel to choose from.
“That’s why we are giving them all opportunities,” Tracy said, “to get a closer look to see how it will shake out.”
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
