When Tom Runnells was handed his roster early this week, the Sky Sox manager knew he wasn’t in for business as usual.

The talent jumped off the page, starting with legitimate prospects such as Carlos Gonzalez, Greg Reynolds and Eric Young Jr., and working down through major league veterans such as Josh Fogg, Joel Peralta and Sal Fasano.

But what really struck him was what was missing from the group.

“There’s not a guy here that doesn’t have a chance to help out our major league club this season,” Runnells said. “Really, there’s not one. Usually you have guys who are just hanging on or guys who the top level they’re going to reach is Triple A. But every one of these guys has the ability and the talent – and some of them have already had the experience – to be in the big leagues.”

Today is the first chance to see Runnell’s team as the Sky Sox host the Las Vegas 51s – now the top affiliate of the Blue Jays after eight years with the Dodgers – in the opener for both Pacific Coast League teams at Security Service Field.

Runnells wouldn’t confirm a lineup for today’s game, but the projected starters are laden with big-league experience and aspirations.

Infield

First baseman Dan Ortmeier, 27, played in 100 games for the Giants over the past two years. At second, Young, 23, is a burner with an All-Star pedigree. Shortstop Jonathan Herrera, 24, worked his way into 28 games with the Rockies last season and third baseman Christian Colonel, 27, was a PCL All-Star last year after hitting .308 with the Sky Sox.

Colonel continued his solid play through spring training, batting .286 and logging a team-high in defensive innings, at bats and RBIs.

“It does wonder for a guy’s confidence,” Colonel said of his spring, which included a grand slam against Seattle’s Eric Bedard. “There’s still a long ways to go, but it’s fun to be with them and see how they go about their business and just try to follow their lead.

“Still, I’m excited. Triple A is close to the big leagues. You’re only a phone call away.”

Outfield

Gonzalez, 23, was a key part of the deal that sent Matt Holliday from Colorado to Oakland. Before last year, he was rated by Baseball America as the Diamondbacks’ top prospect – no small feat for a franchise that keeps churning out young talent.

Sharing the outfield will be Matt Miller, 26, last year’s Texas League batting champ and Matt Murton, at 27 already a veteran of 317 big-league games – mostly as the Cubs’ left fielder.

Starting rotation

Reynolds will get the ball in tonight’s opener. Picked second overall in the 2006 draft (higher than major league stars Evan Longoria and Tim Lincecum), Reynolds is the highest draft choice in franchise history and the highest ever from Stanford – a school that also produced Mike Mussina.

Reynolds, 23, struggled in his first experience in the majors last season, going 2-8 with an 8.13 ERA over 14 games with Colorado.

“I think it’s fairly obvious that last year I didn’t perform as well as I should have,” Reynolds said. “I didn’t live up to my expectations.”

The rest of the rotation remains a mystery, but some of the arms Runnels has to choose from include Brandon Hynick, 24, rated as the Rockies’ 22nd best prospect by Baseball America; Alan Johnson, 25, who went a combined 29-12 in 2006 and 2007 before struggling at 4-14 at Double-A Tulsa last year; and Jason Hirsh, 27, who has 29 career major league starts in Houston and Colorado.

“There’s a lot of good young arms here,” said Fogg, who figures to land a spot in the rotation. “I think I bring a little something different. I’ve got a little bit more experience and a few most starts under my belt.

“So when the time comes – if injuries happen or if lack of performance is something that warrants a change – and they have to decide if they want to go with a young guy or someone with some experience, I hope they pick me. But they’ll have some options.”

Bullpen

Kurt Birkins, 28, saw time with Tampa Bay last year while Steven Register, 25, and Ryan Mattheus, 25, were both included on the Rockies’ 40-man roster. They will be joined by veterans Damian Moss, 32, and Joel Peralta, 33, who have 268 major league appearances between them.

Catchers

Edwin Bellorin, 27, returns to his spot at Security Service Field after driving in 65 runs last season. He’s joined by Fasano, 37, and Paul Phillips, 31.

“He’s going to be a great asset for all of the pitchers,” Reynolds said of Fasano, who has seen major league time with 10 teams. “He’s got a wealth of knowledge and I’ll definitely be picking his brain all season.”

Sky Sox manager Tom Runnells Photo by