The Rockies are counting on catcher Wilin Rosario to be able to play some first base in 2015.
(John Leyba, The Denver Post)
Scottsdale, Ariz. — There’s a lot riding on Wilin Rosario’s conversion into a part-time first baseman, because Rockies manager Walt Weiss made it clear Thursday that the club won’t carry three pure catchers on its 25-man roster.
“I don’t think it can be strictly three catchers,” Weiss said. “Somebody is going to have to be more versatile than just a catcher. I don’t envision carrying three catchers only.
“Obviously, you are talking about Wilin at first base. I think he’s going to be very serviceable over there and the more things he can do, the better it is for us.”
Unless the Rockies end up trading Rosario and his $2.8 million salary this spring — something I still think is possible — the situation for backup catcher Michael McKenry remains muddled.
He also is a trade possibility. especially as spring training winds down and other teams start looking for a backup catcher. McKenry’s out of options, so the club can’t ship him down to the minors. He’ll make $1.1 million this season.
McKenry hit .315 with eight home runs and 22 RBIs in 57 games (168 at-bats) last season. It was a step forward for McKenry, who’s fully recovered from the knee injury he suffered in 2013 with the Pirates.
“He did a great job for us last year and swung the bat extremely well,” Weiss said. “He’s put himself in a good position.”
But if Rosario doesn’t pan out as a back-up first baseman, the Rockies will have to choose between Rosario and McKenry as the No. 2 catcher behind Nick Hundley. The Rockies would likely go with Rosario, because of his power and his ability to hit left-handed pitching. His career numbers vs. lefties: .328/.361/.647 with an OPS of 1.009 and 30 homers in 357 at-bats.
“I’m at the point in my career where I don’t worry about roster moves and that sort of thing,” McKenry said. “I concentrate on what I can do to get better and help my team get better.”
Tags: Michael McKenry, Nick Hundley, Walt Weiss, Wilin Rosario
