--LHPs Mark Redman and Franklin Morales were named the fourth and fifth starters on Wednesday. Redman will start the Rockies' home opener against Arizona on April 4. Morales got the job despite a rocky spring in which he has allowed 22 runs (16 earned) in 21 2/3 innings, leaving him with a 6.65 ERA.

--The Rockies have asked waivers on RHPs Josh Towers and Jose Capellan with the hope they clear waivers and can be assigned to Class AAA Colorado Springs. They would be used as starters in Colorado Springs.

--RHP Ramon Ramirez was dealt to Kansas City for a player to be determined, opening a bullpen and roster spot for LHP Micah Bowie. The Rockies have until June 15 to decide on the player they will receive from the Royals, but the target is LHP Jorge De La Rosa, who is out of options and would have to clear waivers before the Rockies could acquire him and send him to Class AAA Colorado Springs.

--RHP Jason Hirsh, expected to be the No. 4 starter, was sidelined the first week of exhibition games with a strained right rotator cuff, and the injury has been slow healing. Last weekend, Hirsh was backed off a light throwing program. It now appears he most likely will miss the first two months of the season.

--2B Marcus Giles, who lost out to Jayson Nix in his bid for the starting job, was released by the Rockies on Wednesday. He refused an assignment to the minors. He is expected to sign with the Dodgers, according to the Rocky Mountain News.

--INFs Ian Stewart and Omar Quintanilla, two others who battled for the second base job, were optioned to the minor leagues Wednesday.

--OF Seth Smith, who earned a place in baseball history when he struck out to end the 2007 World Series, was optioned to the minor leagues Wednesday. Smith had just eight regular-season at-bats with the Rockies last year.

--The Rockies decided the budget would allow them to option OF Cory Sullivan, who has a $1 million salary, to Class AAA Colorado Springs. With that decision made, Scott Podsednik will stick as the fifth outfielder.

BY THE NUMBERS
16 -- Runs, including 14 earned, allowed by LHP Franklin Morales in 7 2/3 innings during spring starts on March 14 and March 20.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"A player gets to a point in his career where he is best served filling (the utility) role. He wants to be an everyday player, but he realizes that (the utility role) is his ticket to the big leagues at that time." -- Manager Clint Hurdle on INF Clint Barmes' versatility.

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.