The Rockies have something to prove: That they weren't a fluke. They feel that their late-season surge to the first National League pennant in franchise history last year was an indication of where the franchise is.

Time will tell.

The Rockies are looking to defend their NL title with primarily the same roster that they had a year ago. The only change in the staring lineup is at second base. Kazuo Matsui, who followed free agency to Houston, has been replaced by rookie Jayson Nix. The postseason rotation returns, except for Mark Redman taking over for Josh Fogg, who went to Cincinnati as a free agent.

What the Rockies are banking on is that their team will grow. Last year was the culmination of a long-term plan that started with a rebuilding of the farm system, which in turn produced the nucleus of the Rockies' success.

"I feel each of our players has areas for improvement," manager Clint Hurdle said. "We had good years, but nothing that would seem impossible to improve on."

With Matsui gone, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki moves into the No. 2 slot, giving the Rockies five consecutive batters with the potential to hit 25 or more home run. Hurdle also decided to flip first baseman Todd Helton into the No. 3 spot and left fielder Matt Holliday to cleanup. That way, he has the right-handed bats of Holliday and third baseman Garrett Atkins between left-handed hitters Helton and right fielder Brad Hawpe, which will force managers to rethink the use of left-handed relievers.

The key, however, will be how the starting pitching matures. Jeff Francis, coming off a franchise-record-tying 17 wins, and Aaron Cook fill the top two spots. Then come Ubaldo Jimenez and Franklin Morales, the prospects whom the Rockies brought up down the stretch last year instead of bringing in big-league retreads to fill roster voids. Morales, who just turned 22, has struggled with his command. With Jason Hirsh opening on the disabled list, Morales will get a month or so to prove he belongs in the big leagues. Redman will initially be in the fifth spot.

An indication of the change of direction of the Rockies is that they aren't worried about the $5.05 million salary being paid Brian Fuentes, who will set up Manny Corpas. A three-time All-Star, Fuentes was replaced in the closer role by Corpas last July. He gives the Rockies a quality, late-inning left-hander who can fill-in as the closer when necessary.

The Rockies will get an early-season test. Seventeen of their 28 April games are on the road, including trips to each of the four other teams in the division. Arizona is the only NL West team to play in Coors Field in the opening month of the season.

PRIMED FOR A BIG SEASON
RF Brad Hawpe did damage against left-handed pitchers in the final weeks of last season. Despite hitting .214 against lefties overall last year, Hawpe still hit .291 with 29 home runs and 116 RBIs.

ON THE DECLINE
RHP Luis Vizcaino was signed to share setup duties in the bullpen. However, he has worked at least 65 games each of the past six seasons, which appears to be taking a toll on his arm.

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