NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The left-handed supplement for the Rockies’ bullpen might already be in the projected rotation.
In his news conference Wednesday, manager Clint Hurdle said Franklin Morales could work as a reliever, depending on who is brought in to compete for the final starting spot.
“I don’t think we have decided yet until we see the numbers that we have going in,” Hurdle said. “We envision him fitting in a couple of different ways. The bullpen might be a fit. 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 are targeting Mark Redman and Glendon Rusch and remain interested in Brett Tomko and Steve Trachsel. If the season started today, the rotation would be: Jeff Francis, Aaron Cook, Ubaldo Jimenez, Jason Hirsh and the 22-year-old Morales or a veteran.
The Rockies have also expressed interest in free-agent pitcher Victor Zambrano. They would like to add Zambrano on a minor-league deal to compete for a rotation spot or spot in the bullpen. Zambrano, who pitched last season for the Blue Jays and Orioles, is currently pitching well in winter ball.
Other highlights from Hurdle’s media session:
* Troy Tulowitzki will move up to the No. 2 spot in the batting 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 player would hit seventh behind Hawpe. If rookie Jayson Nix won the job, for instance, he said he would likely hit eighth.
* He envisions Willy Taveras, who was benched during the World Series after showing rust offensively, as the main center fielder and leadoff hitter. However, Taveras’ 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.
* There will not be a platoon at catcher. Hurdle said he would not 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 center field during spring training.
