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MLB

'Topes Tidbits For Friday, April 4

By
April 3, 2014

Setting The Stage
The Isotopes enter their 12th season in Albuquerque and sixth as the Triple-A Affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers Tacoma. This marks the seventh season opener the Isotopes have played away from Isotopes Park and they are 4-2 in those contests. It is also the first time Albuquerque has opened with the Rainiers, but the Isotopes do hold a 24-20 all-time advantage against Tacoma, with a 2-2 ledger a season ago.

New Head At The Helm
Taking the reigns of the Isotopes this season is Damon Berryhill, a five-year veteran of the Dodgers' organization having previously coached the rookie-level Ogden Raptors since 2009. Berryhill enjoyed a successful 15-year playing career than included time in the Cubs, Braves, Red Sox, Reds, Giants and A's organizations. During his time in Atlanta he caught the likes of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz and Steve Avery in their prime.

Familiar Faces On The Bench
Back for another season on the Isotopes' bench are pitching coach Glenn Dishman and hitting coach Franklin Stubbs. Dishman returns for his fourth full season in Albuquerque and enters his 11th season as a coach. He led the Isotopes' 2013 pitching staff to a Pacific Coast League fourth-best 4.05 ERA, while fanning a league third-best 1,135 batters. Also entering his 11th season as a coach, Stubbs is back for his second season with the Isotopes after guiding the 2013 club to 110 homers, a .271 batting average and a PCL second-best 57 triples.

Divisional Disco
With the former Tucson Padres moving to and being renamed the El Paso Chihuahuas, the Pacific Coast League shook up its Conferences and Divisions prior to the 2014 season. Albuquerque moved from the American Conference to the Southern Conference, Southern Division where they are joined by El Paso, Las Vegas and Salt Lake. the Northern Division members Fresno, Reno, Sacramento and Tacoma. On the American Conference side, the Northern Division now features Colorado Springs, Iowa, Oklahoma City and Omaha. The Southern Division is now comprised of Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans and Round Rock. On the Pacific Conference side, the Northern Division members are now Fresno, Reno, Sacramento and Tacoma.

Opening Day Roster
Featuring a nice mix of young star and seasoned veterans, the Isotopes Opening Day roster has an average age of 27 and includes 13 players with Major League service. Highlighting the youngsters, Dodgers No. 1 overall prospect Joc Pederson is joined by the organization's No. 4 overall propect Zach Lee, who is slated to start Saturday's game. Miguel Olivo carries the most Major League experience with 10 years and 76 days of service time.

On The Move Again
Right-handed pitcher Jose Dominguez was promoted to Los Angeles and infielder Ryan Adams was sent to Double-A Chattanooga Thursday. In corresponding moves, right-handed pitcher Tyson Brummett was promoted from Double-A Chattanooga and infielder Carlos Triunfel was claimed off waivers from Seattle and assigned to Albuquerque.