Battle Lines Update: Closer decision Thursday
Here’s how the Rockies roster and remaining decisions look heading into the final days of the spring:
Rotation
All 5 spots set
RH Aaron Cook
RH Ubaldo Jimenez
LH Franklin Morales
RH Jason Marquis
LH Jorge De La Rosa
Battles
Fifth spot
Morales won what began as a six-man showdown, beating out Greg Smith, Jason Hirsh, Greg Reynolds, Matt Belisle and Josh Fogg.
Bullpen
6 of 7 spots set
Set
RH Huston Street
RH Manny Corpas
RH Ryan Speier
RH Jason Grilli
LH Alan Embree
LH Glendon Rusch
Closer
Street and Corpas remain in contention.
1. Manny Corpas, right-hander | 0-0, 1.00 in nine games.
Last game: Tuesday, 4-1 win against White Sox at Glendale. Worked scoreless eighth, giving up one hit with one strikeout.
2. Huston Street, right-hander | 0-0, 5.23 in 11 games.
Last game: Monday, 10-3 victory against Diamondbacks at Hi Corbett Field. Street worked a scoreless ninth, his seventh scoreless appearance in his last eight games.
Final Spot
Either Juan Morillo, who is out of options, or Matt Belisle, signed to a minor league contract but with an opt-out clause if another team gives him a big-league job, will earn the job.
1. Juan Morillo, right-hander | 0-0, 3.29 in 13 games
Last game: Wednesday, 6-5 loss to Kansas City at Surprise. Worked a shutout inning, walking two and striking out one.
2. Matt Belisle, right-hander | 0-0, 2.61, 1 save, eight games.
Last game: Wednesday, 6-5 loss to Kansas City at Surprise. Allowed two runso n three hits, but struck out four in two innings. Gave up home runs to Jose Guillen and Keith Gordon.
CATCHERS
Chris Iannetta
Yorvit Torrealba
Battles
This position was set before spring training opened.
INFIELD
1B Todd Helton
2B Clint Barmes
3B Garrett Atkins
SS Troy Tulowitzki
1B-2B-3B-LF-RF Jeff Baker
2B-3B-LF-RF Ian Stewart
2B-SS-3B Omar Quintanilla
Battles
Three contenders for what figured to be two jobs all made the team — Baker, Stewart and Quintanilla, pending a possible trade of Baker. That came at the expense of a fifth outfielder. Baker and Stewart, however, give the Rockies outfield flexiblity, along with Barmes, who can also back up at shortstop or play center field in an emergency.
OUTFIELD
LF Seth Smith
CF Ryan Spilborghs
RF Brad Hawpe
OF Dexter Fowler
Battles
Fowler won battle for extra spot over Dan Ortmeier, Carlos Gonzalez, Matt Murton and Scott Podsednik. Murton and Gonzalez were optioned to the minors. Ortmeier is signed to a minor-league contract with no-opt out clause. Podsednik has until Friday to decide if he will accept an assignment to Triple-A Colorado Springs or opt out of the contract.





Leave your response!