SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- There is another side to Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado's highlights. The daring dives and contortions allow him to glove the ball, but those plays end in throws -- mostly to first base. And someone has to catch them.
Arenado has a Rawlings Gold Glove Award for each of his five seasons in the Majors. But his first basemen have been Todd Helton -- a decorated fielder himself -- and Justin Morneau and Mark Reynolds, two savvy players. Unless the Rockies sign someone such as Reynolds, who is a free agent, Arenado likely will be throwing to Ian Desmond and Ryan McMahon, both of whom have moved from other positions and have limited experience at first base.