2007 Rockies Projected Lineup

2007 Colorado Rockies

Batting Order

1. 2B Kaz Matsui
2. CF Willy Taveras
3. 3B Garrett Atkins
4. 1B Todd Helton
5. LF Matt Holliday
6. RF Brad Hawpe/Jeff Baker
7. SS Troy Tulowitzki/Clint Barmes
8. C Chris Iannetta

The Rockies have made one change, putting Helton in the cleanup spot while dropping Holliday to fifth. Hawpe-Baker could be a strict platoon in right, but Baker is also being worked out at first base and could see considerable time there if Helton continues to have physical problems. Tulowitzki and Barmes will do battle for the shortstop position this spring. Barmes, 28, is a quality defender who is trying to re-find his swing. Tulowitzki, 22, is the future stud who may need a bit more seasoning, the possibility exists that Tulo will head to Triple-A for two or three months. The Rockies released Javy Lopez, clearing the path for Chris Iannetta to begin the season as the Rockies' starting catcher.

Rotation

1. Aaron Cook
2. Jeff Francis
3. Rodrigo Lopez
4. Jason Hirsh
5. Byung-Hyun Kim

Cook, Francis and Lopez go to spring training with jobs. Hirsh and Kim will be among six candidates for the final two rotation spots, which figures to lead to a trade at some point of either Kim or Josh Fogg, or both. The other rotation contenders are Ubaldo Jimenez, Brian Lawrence and Taylor Buchholz.

Closer: Brian Fuentes