Because he's still playing winter ball, outfielder Carlos Gonzalez likely will participate in just the final week of the Rockies Winter Development Program, which began Tuesday.
Jason Marquis gives the Rockies what they need -- stability at the back of the rotation.
He's not a big-name, dominating pitcher. He is a solid workhorse, though.
Center fielder Carlos Gonzalez bounced back from viral problems that sidelined him for a couple of weeks this winter to hit .292 in 25 games for Zulia in his native Venezuela. Ryan Spilborghs hit .203 in the final 18 regular-season games with Obregon of the Mexican Pacific League.
One way to look at the acquisition of Jason Marquis is through the prism of Kip Wells and Josh Fogg, recent fifth starters for the Rockies. Wells held that role for a while last year and Fogg in 2006 and 2007. Clearly, Marquis is an upgrade over those two, which is damning with faint praise.
General manager Dan O'Dowd said before spring training he would like to continue to build depth with some non-roster signings and one of those might be finding a left-handed hitter who can play center field. Does that sound like Scott Podsednik?
Four coaches who were not retained by the Rockies have found work. Former bullpen coach Rick Mathews remains with the organization as a special assistant who will work in the minor league system as a basic troubleshooter.
Former Rockies center fielder Willy Taveras signed a two-year contract with Cincinnati.
The Rockies are looking to add depth to their rotation. Instead of getting caught up in a bidding war for the likes of Tim Redding, who was nontendered by Washington and suddenly has a handful of teams running up his price, they could turn their attention to a more proven commodity such as Cubs right-hander Jason Marquis.
Left-hander Franklin Morales, pitching for Caracas in his native Venezuela this winter, not only has won his past three starts, but he allowed one run in 18 2/3 innings, striking out 17 and walking four. He is 4-3 with a 2.72 ERA.
The Rockies have invited 21 players to participate in their Winter Development program Jan. 6-23 at Coors Field.
