Double-A Tulsa could have an intriguing rotation, one brimming with prospects along with possible competition this spring for the five starting spots. At least, that’s the lay of the land as minor league camp opens.

Samuel Deduno, 25, who missed the entire 2008 season following elbow surgery, should open the season there. He’s in big league camp, as is Esmil Rogers, 23, who will be moving up from high Class A Modesto. Aneury Rodriguez, 21, is trying to make that same progression.

Jhoulys Chacin, 21, will open the season at Tulsa, at the very least. However, Chacin, who is in big league camp and is regarded as the Rockies top pitching prospect, might begin the season at Triple-A Colorado Springs if he continues to pitch as well the rest of spring training as he has to date.

Left-hander Keith Weiser, 24, spent most of 2008 at Modesto before an Aug. 6 promotion to Tulsa where he made five starts and went 1-2 with a 3.60 ERA and just six walks in 35 innings. A return to Tulsa seems in store for Weiser and for Chaz Roe, 22, who went there June 5 last year and was 5-4 with a 4.27 ERA.

Missing from the Drillers’ starting candidates is Ching-Lung Lo, 23. He has spent the past two seasons at Tulsa and is expected to open 2009 there as a swing man, the term given a fifth stater-long relief type.