Albuquerque Isotopes announcer Robert Portnoy leaves for local ESPN affiliate

The Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate in Albuquerque will have a new play-by-play announcer in 2013, as Robert Portnoy has left the Isotopes to join the local ESPN Radio affiliate in Albuquerque.

Portnoy called Isotopes games from 2006 to 2012, and will now join ESPN 101.7 The TEAM in Albuquerque, and will among other things call University of New Mexico baseball games. Portnoy previously hosted a talk show on the station in 2008 and 2009.

Portnoy tweeted that the move was a "tough decision," but nonetheless is excited for the new challenge after calling minor league baseball games from Class-A to Triple-A for the last 13 seasons.

"It's a tremendous opportunity to be the voice of Lobo baseball and return to a great station like ESPN Radio 101.7 The TEAM," he said in a statement. "The baseball season begins next week and I can't wait to get started."

Isotopes general manager John Traub said he hopes to have a new play-by-play broadcaster in the next couple of weeks.

"Our play by play job is one of the best situations in Minor League Baseball," Traub said. "We're humbled to have already received have nearly 200 inquiries about our vacant broadcasting position."