Luke Wortman | April 8, 2025
Sunday, it was announced that former first round pick Zac Veen was getting the call to the Colorado Rockies. Last Tuesday, myself and members of the Albuquerque media met with Veen to discuss the new season.
The Zac Veen Conversation
Q: Coming off your first game on Sunday, how does the start of the season rejuvenate you and get the juices going?
Veen: Yeah me and the guys are excited to get the first win of the season and then to hopefully carry that over each week.
Q: Can you please talk about the experience fans are in for at Isotopes Park?
Veen: We’ve got a lot of really good, electric players and I think that if you come to a game this year that you can see something really cool from somebody.
Q: What are you looking forward to most this season?
Veen: The biggest thing I’m looking forward to this season is honestly just being on the field with my teammates. Hopefully I can accomplish some cool personal things but first and foremost I want to be out on the field with my teammates.
Q: So for your teammates that have never played in Albuquerque, what have you passed on to them about the league and environment?
Veen: For a lot of the guys I know it’s their first time [in Triple-A], so I’ve told them that they definitely belong here. At the end of the day it’s just a game.
Albuquerque Isotopes Roster Preview
Q: What would you say so far is the identity of this Isotopes team?
Veen: I’d say young and hungry. We all want to go out to the field and win, and everyone has something to prove.
Q: What would you say is the experience like being in Triple-A?
Veen: The biggest thing is that here feels really close to the big leagues, and the atmosphere and stadium [in Albuquerque], is a lot better than most places.
Q: What’s your biggest point of emphasis/development that you are working on for this season?
Veen: I would say the biggest thing right now is 1) I want to play every day and 2) I want to be as consistent as possible.
Q: One of the big stories in the major leagues this week is the use of torpedo bats. Is that something you would every use and do you have any thoughts on that?
Veen: I haven’t used them yet, but after seeing some of the numbers and the reasoning for it, I placed an order for them and I hope to be able to use them soon.
Q: How long do you think it would take for you to get adjusted and used to the torpedo bats once you get them?
Veen: I would say it would be pretty quick, it’s supposed to be the same bat, but the overall weight is moved down a bit to help barrel the ball.
Q: With how the altitude at Albuquerque and Denver messes with the spin of the ball, does that give you any extra incentive to use the new bats?
Veen: I think whatever the hottest thing in the game now is worth the switch and so the least I can do is give it a try.
Q: What was the biggest factor that helped contribute to your Spring Training success?
Veen: I would say the biggest key to my success was having a really good group around me like my coaches and teammates who helped me to succeed.
Q: Given that you’ve dyed your hair blonde, is that a new superstition or just trying to do something new?
Veen: Yeah I’ve wanted to do it for a few years with different colors and things like that. I’ve wanted to do red for a while so we’ll see if that happens.
Q: Is Florida your pick to win March Madness?
Veen: Absolutely, go Gators!
Mickey Moniak – trade or extend?
As the 2026 trade deadline approaches, Colorado Rockies face a crucial decision on Mickey Moniak, whose home and away performance varies significantly. Potential trade value depends on whether teams perceive him as Coors Field’s star or a solid role player elsewhere. Management could also consider extending him to retain his value, amid rebuilding strategies.
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