GAME DAY

Third baseman Garrett Atkins delivered a grand slam Friday that lifted the Rockies to a 5-3, rain-shortened exhibition victory against the Chicago White Sox at Hi Corbett Field and knocked Gavin Floyd out of his bid to be the White Sox's fifth starter. Floyd gave up all five Rockies runs in the seven-inning game after John Danks, the other candidate, limited the Rockies to one hit in four shutout innings. . . . Former Rockies right-hander Steve Reed, who still lives in the Denver area, was a visitor to the Rockies clubhouse. He is in town with some friends, enjoying some games as a fan and playing golf. . . . Center fielder Willy Taveras was 3-for-3 with a double and run scored, raising his average to .421.

NO. 1

The Rockies had their projected opening day lineup on display Friday, including right-hander Aaron Cook, who allowed two runs in six innings. Cook is 4-0 with a 2.11 ERA this spring.

"He stepped up in a lot of different areas," manager Clint Hurdle said. "He used his four-seam baseball efficiently, held runners well and showed us what we want to see as we are closing in on (the start of the season)."

PLAYING TIME

Second baseman Kaz Matsui, a switch-hitter, figures to get most of his rest against left-handed pitchers, which will create opportunities for Jamey Carroll to get at-bats. Carroll hit .300 last year when he became the Rockies' primary second baseman, including .359 against left-handed pitchers. Matsui hit .119 against left-handed pitchers during his time with the Rockies.

"I will never paint myself in the corner (saying it will be a platoon)," Hurdle said, "but we want to utilize Jamey as effectively as we can."