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Fogg named fifth starter, Barmes sent down
Published March 23, 2007 at midnight
TUCSON -- The Rockies finalized their rotation and firmed up their starting lineup Friday.
Josh Fogg was named the fifth starter, joining Aaron Cook, Jeff Francis, Rodrigo Lopez and Jason Hirsh in the rotation.
Byung-Hyun Kim, who was competing with Fogg for a starting spot, was told he will be moved to the bullpen, where he will battle in the final week of the spring with Manny Corpas and Ramon Ramirez for two open relief positions.
Rookie shortstop Troy Tulowitzki was officially given the starting shortstop job, the Rockies sending Clint Barmes, the Opening Day shortstop the last two years, to Triple-A Colorado Springs. Outfielder Cory Sullivan and right-handed pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez were optioned to the SkySox along with Barmes.
Sullivan and Barmes hit 1-2 in the Rockies Opening Day lineup last year. The move with Sullivan virtually assures Steve Finley of the role as backup center fielder.
The Rockies also reassigned right-handed pitcher Matt Herges, left-handed pitcher Mike Gallo, and infielder Erick Almonte to the minor-league camp, and released right-handed pitcher Danny Graves.
That leaves the Rockies with 31 players on their spring roster, including right-handed pitchers Brian Lawrence and Dave Veres, expected to open the season in extended spring training.
The two remaining decisions involve the 25th roster spot -- where left-handed-hitting John Mabry would seem to have the edge over right-handed-hitting Ryan Spilborghs -- and which right-handed reliever out of the trio of Kim, Ramirez and Corpas won't make the team. Ramirez and Corpas have options. The Rockies have been looking to deal Kim, and with teams showing more interest in adding a reliever, Kim could create some value working out of the bullpen in the final days of the spring.
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