Nashville, Tenn. – The left-handed answer for the Rockies’ bullpen might already be in the projected rotation.
In his press conference today, manager Clint Hurdle said that Franklin Morales could work out of the bullpen depending on who is brought in to compete for the final starting spots.
“I don’t think we have decided yet until we see the numbers that we have going in. We envision him fitting in a couple of different ways. The bullpen might be a fit,” Hurdle indicated. “Franklin is an important part, a valuable part.”
The Rockies have trolled for veteran starters to create competition and add depth to the rotation. They have offered a minor-league deal to Mark Redman, who has yet to accept, and talked with the agents for Josh Fogg, whom the Cardinals are after, Brett Tomko and Steve Trachsel. If the season started today, the rotation would be Jeff Francis, Aaron Cook, Ubaldo Jimenez, Jason Hirsh and Morales or a veteran.
Other highlights from Hurdle’s session:
–He envisions Willy Taveras, who was benched during the World Series after showing rust offensively, as the main center fielder and leadoff hitter. However, his replacement could get in as many as “30 to 40 games.” Taveras has planned to change his conditioning to better deal with the altitude’s effect on his leg muscles. Ryan Spilborghs, whom the Cubs tried to acquire, and Cory Sullivan are his primary backups.
–Troy Tulowitzki will move up to the No. 2 spot in the order, with the middle of the lineup – Matt Holliday, Todd Helton, Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe — likely remaining the same. Hurdle indicated that if the Rockies were able to land a veteran second baseman like Tadahito Iguchi or Mark Loretta that the player would hit seventh behind Hawpe. If rookie Jayson Nix won the job, for instance, he said he would likely hit eighth.
–There will not be a platoon system at catcher. Hurdle said he’s not looking to cut catcher Yorvit Torrealba’s playing time after he reached a career high in games played. Chris Iannetta is his backup and Hurdle said he was encouraged by how Iannetta finished last season offensively.
–Adding a veteran left-handed pinch-hitter is not a priority because of the emergence of Seth Smith. According to Hurdle, Smith will also get some time in spring training at center field.
–Hurdle is “optimistic” that pitcher Aaron Cook will accept the Rockies’ three-year, $30-million contract extension.
Rockies like Dotel
In their search for late-inning relief help, the Rockies have expressed interest in free agent right-hander Octavio Dotel. Dotel struggled after being traded to the Braves last season. But he fits the profile of the Rockies’ relievers: a hard-thrower with past experience with a closer.
“He would be interested, but there are several teams involved,” agent Danny Horwits said.
