Rockies have 'talked about' trying CarGo at first base
The Colorado Rockies don't intend to move outfielder Carlos Gonzalez to first base this season, especially after trading Corey Dickerson to Tampa Bay on Thursday, but manager Walt Weiss admitted the club is curious to see how the two-time Gold Glove award winner would fare at the position.
Related: Rays acquire Dickerson from Rockies in 4-player deal
"CarGo at first base is something we've talked about introducing a little bit this spring, but it's more of a potential long-term outlook," Weiss told MLB.com's Thomas Harding.
Following the likely departure of Justin Morneau, however, the Rockies' short-term outlook at first base isn't overly encouraging. With Ben Paulsen and newcomer Mark Reynolds tentatively poised to handle the position in 2016, Gonzalez may very well be an upgrade despite not playing a single inning at first base in 13 years of professional baseball.
| Player | WAR | wRC+ | HR | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gonzalez | 1.7 | 111 | 27 | 22.9% |
| Paulsen/Reynolds | -0.1 | 91 | 26 | 26.4% |
Still, Weiss didn't express much confidence that Gonzalez would see any game action at first base this season.
"We're not really looking to circulate him at first base - just starting to introduce it in a practice setting," Weiss said.
A position change might behoove the 30-year-old, though. Despite earning consecutive Gold Glove awards in 2012 and 2013, Gonzalez's defense in the outfield has been volatile over the last four seasons, according to both Defensive Runs Saved and Ultimate Zone Rating, and moving to first base could reduce some of the stress on his left patella tendon that was surgically repaired in August 2014.
For now, however, the Rockies will likely have Gonzalez open the campaign in right field, with the newly signed Gerardo Parra starting in left, and Charlie Blackmon assuming his usual spot in center.