The Rockies began spring training with seven key roster decisions to make. With 10 exhibition games to play, here's where they stand.

Shortstop

Troy Tulowitzki, the 2005 first-round draft choice out of Long Beach State, has won the battle, unseating incumbent Clint Barmes. Tulowitzki has continued to show impressive defensive skills and a run-producing bat, while Barmes has been unable to shake the offensive inconsistency that haunted him last year. The versatility of Jamey Carroll and Jeff Baker — and the need to get them regular at-bats — means Barmes could be the starting shortstop for Triple-A Colorado Springs or could be traded. The Rangers and Cubs have interest in him as a super sub, but the Rockies want more in return than what a utility player would bring.

Catcher

Chris Iannetta's quick study of the pitching staff, his smoothness behind the plate, strong arm and offensive potential allowed him to make the move to the majors with only 2 1/2 years of pro experience. That was clear last week when the Rockies released Javy Lopez. Yorvit Torrealba will be the backup.

Fourth starter

Jason Hirsh was pitcher of the year in the Double-A Texas League in 2005 and the Triple-A Pacific Coast League in 2006. "There's nothing more for him to prove down there," pitching coach Bob Apodaca said. Hirsh has had some moments to forget this spring training but has rebounded impressively.



Fifth starter

Josh Fogg and Byung-Hyun Kim, the fourth and fifth starters last year, are the candidates, and the decision could come down to whether the Rockies can move one of them. The Pirates, Marlins, Dodgers and Athletics have interest in Kim, who has a $2.5 million guarantee. Oakland is the only one with interest in him as a starter. Baltimore has inquired about Fogg, who has a $3,625,000 base but is guaranteed only $906,250 if released by the end of spring training.

Backup center fielder

Steve Finley was the wild card, signing on the day of the first full-squad workout, but, at 42, he showed he can be a solid backup to Willy Taveras. Cory Sullivan, the starter last year, figures to be with Colorado Springs barring a trade. Florida is the only team that has shown interest, and that has been limited.

Right-handed reliever

Manny Corpas and Ramon Ramirez appear to have the edge for the two open spots — joining Taylor Buchholz and LaTroy Hawkins — but Matt Herges has made a spring training push. Corpas and Ramirez have options, giving the Rockies some flexibility if they decide to keep Herges, who relies more on experience and location than the power stuff of the other two.

25th man

John Mabry was signed because manager Clint Hurdle likes a left-handed bat off the bench, and Mabry has given every indication he has fully recovered from the sports hernia that slowed him last year. Alexis Gomez and Ryan Spilborghs remain in the picture, but Spilborghs is a right-handed hitter and Gomez has a long swing that could be exploited in a limited bench role.