The Rockies made a statement Friday that reinforced their belief that they upgraded their roster for the 2007 season.
Center fielder Cory Sullivan and shortstop Clint Barmes, who hit 1-2 in the opening day lineup last season, were optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs.
Josh Fogg was announced as the fifth starter, and Byung-Hyun Kim, the Rockies' No. 4 starter in 2006, will now have to battle with right-handers Ramon Ramirez and Manny Corpas for one of the final two bullpen spots.
Willy Taveras, one of three players acquired from Houston for Jason Jennings, is replacing Sullivan in center and at the leadoff spot, and veteran Steve Finley won the battle with Sullivan to be Taveras' backup.
Barmes lost out in a duel with rookie Troy Tulowitzki for the shortstop job. The Rockies are still exploring trade possibilities with Barmes that include Texas and the Chicago Cubs, who want him as a utility player. Kansas City opted to acquire Tony Pena Jr. from Atlanta to fill its shortstop need.
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"Defensively, Tulo made the plays and Barmes made the playoff, but offensively we felt Tulo fits more of the needs in our lineup," manager Clint Hurdle said.
With speedy second baseman Kaz Matsui to hit second, the Rockies will put Tulowitzki in a run-producing spot, hitting seventh.
The Rockies have until April 1 to make their final roster moves, but Hurdle said it was important to clear up issues as early as possible "so that everyone involved can put their focus where it needs to be."
Sullivan and Barmes, in particular, are provided extra time to deal with the emotional disappointment and to get ready for the start of the minor-league season.
In addition to Barmes and Sullivan, the Rockies optioned right-handed pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez to Colorado Springs, returned 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.
The move with Gallo means that Tom Martin will return in a left-handed reliever role, although Hurdle admitted, "Gallo made his presence known. There's an option if things don't go well out there, he will be an option we can go to."
