Cubszone.com | Chicago Cubs News, cubs Scores, Game Recaps & Commentary - <div>Goodbye </div>Brian Fuentes, LHP (reliever), free agent, signed with Anaheim for two years, $17.5 million. Matt Holliday, LF, traded to Oakland in exchange for OF Carlos Gonzalez, RHP Huston Street and LHP Greg Smith. Willy Taveras, CF, nontendered, signed by Cincinnati for two years, $6.25 million. Luis Vizcaino, RHP (reliever), traded to Chicago Cubs in exchange for RHP Jason Marquis (starter). Hello Alan Embree, LHP (reliever), free agent, signed to a one-year, $2.25 million contract with a mutual option for 2010. Josh Fogg, RHP (starter/reliever), free agent, signed to a minor- league deal. Carlos Gonzalez, OF, acquired from Oakland as part of the Matt Holliday trade. Luis Gonzalez, 2B, free agent, signed to a minor-league contract. Jason Marquis, RHP (starter), acquired in a trade with Chicago Cubs in exchange for RHP (reliever) Luis Vizcaino and cash. Daniel Ortmeier, OF, free agent, signed to a minor-league contract. Greg Smith, LHP (starter), acquired from Oakland as part of the Holliday trade. Huston Street, RHP (reliever), acquired from Oakland as part of the Holliday trade. Starting pitchers 28 Aaron Cook Age: 30 Bats/throws: Right/right Sinkerballer became an all-star in 2008 but ran out of gas near season's end. Became first Rockies starter to win at least 13 games with an ERA under 4.00. He's the anchor of the staff. 2008: 16-9, 3.96 ERA in 32 games/32 starts 29 Jorge De La Rosa Age: 27Bats/throws: Left/left Maddening at times, brilliant at times, De La Rosa will be one of spring's most intriguing stories. Rockies are seeking increased maturity from him, on and off the field. A 2.44 ERA in his last 10 games was encouraging. Could be a No. 4 or No. 5 starter. 2008: 10-8, 4.92 ERA in 28 games/23 starts 51 Josh Fogg Age: 32Bats/throws: Right/right Returns to Rockies on a minor-league deal after horrible season with the Reds. He'd love to be a starter, but it's more likely he'll be long reliever if he makes the team. 2008: 2-7, 7.58 ERA in 22 games/14 starts with Cincinnati 26 Jeff Francis Age: 28Bats/throws: Left/left Heads into camp with a troublesome left shoulder that could very well require surgery. That casts a dark shadow over his entire season. Francis's awful 2008 season was marred by lack of fastball command, due in part to his sore shoulder. 2008: 4-10, 5.01 ERA in 24 games/24 starts 48 Jason Hirsh Age: 26Bats/throws: Right/right Started season on DL with shoulder problems and didn't pitch for Rockies until September. Struggled in the minors with more walks (52) than strikeouts (51). 2008: 4-4, 5.80 ERA in 18 games/17 starts with Triple-A Colorado Springs 38 Ubaldo Jimenez Age: 25Bats/throws: Right/right Rockies rewarded Jimenez's potential with a four-year, $10 million deal. Next step for club's most talented pitcher is consistency from opening day through September. 2008: 12-12, 3.99 ERA in 34 games/34 starts 21 Jason Marquis Age: 30Bats/throws: Left/right Arrived via trade for reliever Luis Vizcaino. Sinkerball pitcher projects as a fourth or fifth starter. His main objective is quality starts and eating up innings. Should be a good fit at Coors Field. 2008: 11-9, 4.53 ERA in 29 games/28 starts with Chicago Cubs 56 Franklin Morales Age: 23Bats/throws: Left/left Fits of wildness (17 walks vs. nine strikeouts) sent Morales down to Triple-A for most of 2008. He went 10-5 with a 5.47 ERA with Sky Sox, showing raw talent but inconsistency. A longshot to make the rotation. 2008: 1-2, 6.39 ERA in five games/five starts 54 Greg Reynolds Age: 23Bats/throws: Right/right Top pick from 2006 struggled in his rookie season, lacking command and giving up 14 homers in just 62 innings. He'll need a standout spring to break with big-league club. 2008: 2-8, 8.13 ERA in 14 games/13 starts 23 Greg Smith Age: 25Bats/throws: Left/left For Smith to have a shot at back end of rotation, he must cut down on walks (87 in 190 1/3 innings). A spot in the bullpen is a real possibility. 2008: 7-16, 4.16 ERA in 32 games/32 starts with Oakland Relief pitchers 35 Taylor Buchholz Age: 27Bats/throws: Right/right Found his niche as a quality set-up man last season. Big-time curveball helped produce 56 strikeouts vs. just 18 walks. 2008: 6-6, 2.17 ERA in 63 relief appearances 60 Manuel Corpas Age: 26Bats/throws: Right/right Arrived at camp last season overweight and out of shape. Poor mechanics left his slider spinning over the plate. He must regain his edge to beat out Huston Street and regain coveted closer role. 2008: 3-4, 4.52 ERA in 76 relief appearances 41 Alan Embree Age: 39Bats/throws: Left/left Rockies paying him $2.5 million to be left-handed set-up man and bring experience to the bullpen. Rockies are his 10th big-league club. 2008: 2-5, 4.96 ERA in 70 relief appearances with Oakland 49 Jason Grilli Age: 32Bats/throws: Right/right After being traded from Detroit in late April, revived his career in Colorado . Rockies counting on him as middle reliever. 2008: 3-3, 3.00 ERA in 60 relief appearances 32 Glendon Rusch Age: 34Bats/throws: Left/left After sitting out 2007, last season was a comeback of sorts. He provides veteran depth but will need good spring to make roster. Signed to a minor-league contract. 2008: 5-5, 5.16 ERA in 35 appearances/nine starts 23 Ryan Speier Age: 29Bats/throws: Right/right Bounced back and forth between Triple-A and Rockies in 2008, putting up the best numbers of his career. Long reliever candidate. 2008: 2-1, 4.06 ERA in 43 relief appearances 16 Huston Street Age: 25Bats/throws: Right/right Key component of Matt Holliday trade, he lost his closer's job in Oakland last season. He still struck out 69 and walked just 27. Street believes his arm is healthy again and he'll claim the closer's job. 2008: 7-5, 3.73 ERA, 18 saves, in 63 relief appearances with Oakland Catchers 15 Edwin Bellorin Age: 26Bats/throws: Right/right Invited to camp as insurance and depth while Chris Iannetta plays in World Baseball Classic. 2008....Avg.....2B....3B....HR....RBI....SLG .... Sky Sox .....293....27....3....5....65.....436 .... 20 Chris Iannetta Age: 25Bats/throws: Right/right Breakout 2008 made him the No. 1 catcher and earned an invite to Team USA. Next step is becoming boss of the pitching staff and a better game-caller. 2008....Avg.....2B....3B....HR....RBI....SLG .... Rockies.....264....22....2....18....65.....505 .... 8 Yorvit Torrealba Age: 30Bats/throws: Right/right Looking to spring back after losing No. 1 job and undergoing knee surgery. Ability to handle pitching staff is a plus. Questions remain on how happy he'll be as No. 2 catcher. 2008....Avg.....2B....3B....HR....RBI....SLG .... Rockies.....246....17....0....6....31.....394 .... Outfielders 10 Jeff Baker Age: 27Bats/throws: Right/right The power-hitting utility player will also play second base and fill in at third and first, but the Rockies want to see what he can do in left field. 2008....Avg.....2B....3B....HR....RBI....SLG .... Rockies.....268....22....1....12....48.....468 .... 14 Dexter Fowler Age: 22Bats/throws: Switch/right Remains a hot prospect but will likely begin season at Triple-A. In a short stint in with the Rockies last season (13 games, 26 at-bats), he looked good in the field but overmatched at the plate. 2008....Avg.....2B....3B....HR....RBI....SLG .... Rockies.....154....0....0....0....0.....154 .... 5 Carlos Gonzalez Age: 23Bats/throws: Left/left Blessed with an outstanding arm, he has major- league skills in the outfield but needs to prove himself at the plate. Projected as a center fielder, but can also play right or left. Needs to cut down on strikeouts. 2008....Avg.....2B....3B....HR....RBI....SLG .... Athletics.....242....22....1....4....26.....361 .... 11 Brad Hawpe Age: 29Bats/throws: Left/left Slumped slightly in 2008 but tied Matt Holliday with a team-high 25 homers. Remains a streak hitter, but is making big strides against lefties (.282 in 2008). Rockies need a big year from him. 2008....Avg.....2B....3B....HR....RBI....SLG .... Rockies.....283....24....3....25....85.....498 .... N/A Matt Murton Age: 27Bats/throws: Right/right Acquired Wednesday in a trade with Oakland to provide depth and a right-handed bat in the outfield. His career numbers - .288 average, 28 homers, 106 RBIs in 317 games - far outshine his dismal 2008 showing with the Cubs and A's. 2008....Avg.....2B....3B....HR....RBI....SLG .... Cubs/A's.....186....3....0....0....8.....229 .... 22 Scott Podsednik Age: 32Bats/throws: Left/left Returns on a minor-league contract with hopes of making the team. Speed on the bases and experience give him a good chance. Needs to improve as a pinch hitter (.180 in 2008) to have an impact. 2008....Avg.....2B....3B....HR....RBI....SLG .... Rockies.....253....8....1....1....15.....333 .... 25 Seth Smith Age: 26Bats/throws: Left/left After making strides in 67 big-league games in 2008, Smith will get a shot to be the starting left fielder. Shows good power but needs to become a more consistent force at the plate. 2008....Avg.....2B....3B....HR....RBI....SLG .... Rockies.....259....7....0....4....15.....435 .... 19 Ryan Spilborghs Age: 29Bats/throws: Right/right Penciled in as the starting center fielder and probable leadoff hitter. Rockies love his attitude, on-base percentage (.407 in 2008) and hustle. The big question is how he'll handle everyday duties. 2008....Avg.....2B....3B....HR....RBI....SLG .... Rockies.....313....14....2....6....36.....468 .... Infielders 27 Garrett Atkins, 3B/1B Age: 29Bats/throws: Right/right With a $7.05 million contract, pressure is on Atkins to perform better in the clutch. He hit just .192 with two outs and runners in scoring position last year. He will shuffle over to first when Todd Helton sits. 2008....Avg.....2B....3B....HR....RBI....SLG .... Rockies.....286....32....3....21....99.....452 .... 12 Clint Barmes, 2B/SS Age: 29Bats/throws: Right/right Made a successful transition to second last year and will be the starter there in 2009. Worked hard to become more consistent at the plate. 2008....Avg.....2B....3B....HR....RBI....SLG .... Rockies.....290....25....6....11....44.....468 .... 17 Todd Helton, 1B Age: 35Bats/throws: Left/left After back surgery, questions swirl around the face of the franchise. Helton hopes to be ready by opening day, but there are no guarantees. He must adjust to playing in fewer games. Still possesses one of the best batting eyes in the game. 2008....Avg.....2B....3B....HR....RBI....SLG .... Rockies.....264....16....0....7....29.....388 .... 47 Joe Koshansky, 1B Age: 26Bats/throws: Left/left Played in just 18 big-league games last season, but questions about Helton's health means he'll get plenty of playing time this spring. Plenty of pop in his bat, but he needs more consistency at the plate and around the bag. 2008....Avg.....2B....3B....HR....RBI....SLG .... Rockies.....211....3....0....3....8.....526 .... 6 Omar Quintanilla, 2B/SS Age: 26Bats/throws: Left/right Slick fielder is adept at second or short and could be the utility man the Rockies will need. Needs to improve on his .288 on-base percentage. 2008....Avg.....2B....3B....HR....RBI....SLG .... Rockies.....238....17....0....2....15.....348 .... 24 Ian Stewart, 3B/LF Age: 23Bats/throws: Left/right Rockies want Stewart's power in the lineup, so he'll get a look in left field. Flashed moments of brilliance at third last season and showed marked improvement at the plate. 2008....Avg.....2B....3B....HR....RBI....SLG .... Rockies.....259....18....2....10....41.....455 .... 2 Troy Tulowitzki, SS Age: 24Bats/throws: Right/right Tulo is confident he'll rebound from a disappointing, injury-filled season. Club wants him to be a better situational hitter. For Rockies to contend, Tulo must have a big season. 2008....Avg.....2B....3B....HR....RBI....SLG .... Rockies.....263....24....2....8....46.....401 .... 4 Eric Young, 2B/OF Age: 23Bats/throws: Switch/right Terrific seasons at Double-A Tulsa and in Arizona Fall League make EY Jr. a hot commodity. Club is confident he can make transition from outfield to second. Will likely start season at Triple-A. 2008....Avg.....2B....3B....HR....RBI....SLG .... Tulsa (AA).....290....24....4....3....33.....392 .... <div class="spacer10"></div><div class="gray_dots"></div><div id="body_footer_link">Play FOX Fantasy Baseball today </div><div class="gray

Goodbye

Brian Fuentes, LHP (reliever), free agent, signed with Anaheim for two years, $17.5 million.

Matt Holliday, LF, traded to Oakland in exchange for OF Carlos Gonzalez, RHP Huston Street and LHP Greg Smith.

Willy Taveras, CF, nontendered, signed by Cincinnati for two years, $6.25 million.

Luis Vizcaino, RHP (reliever), traded to Chicago Cubs in exchange for RHP Jason Marquis (starter). Hello

Alan Embree, LHP (reliever), free agent, signed to a one-year, $2.25 million contract with a mutual option for 2010.

Josh Fogg, RHP (starter/reliever), free agent, signed to a minor-

league deal.

Carlos Gonzalez, OF, acquired from Oakland as part of the Matt Holliday trade.

Luis Gonzalez, 2B, free agent, signed to a minor-league contract.

Jason Marquis, RHP (starter), acquired in a trade with Chicago Cubs in exchange for RHP (reliever) Luis Vizcaino and cash.

Daniel Ortmeier, OF, free agent, signed to a minor-league contract.

Greg Smith, LHP (starter), acquired from Oakland as part of the Holliday trade.

Huston Street, RHP (reliever), acquired from Oakland as part of the Holliday trade. Starting pitchers

28 Aaron Cook

Age: 30 Bats/throws: Right/right

Sinkerballer became an all-star in 2008 but ran out of gas near season's end. Became first Rockies starter to win at least 13 games with an ERA under 4.00. He's the anchor of the staff.

2008: 16-9, 3.96 ERA in 32 games/32 starts

29 Jorge De La Rosa

Age: 27Bats/throws: Left/left

Maddening at times, brilliant at times, De La Rosa will be one of spring's most intriguing stories. Rockies are seeking increased maturity from him, on and off the field. A 2.44 ERA in his last 10 games was encouraging. Could be a No. 4 or No. 5 starter.

2008: 10-8, 4.92 ERA in 28 games/23 starts

51 Josh Fogg

Age: 32Bats/throws: Right/right

Returns to Rockies on a minor-league deal after horrible season with the Reds. He'd love to be a starter, but it's more likely he'll be long reliever if he makes the team.

2008: 2-7, 7.58 ERA in 22 games/14 starts

with Cincinnati

26 Jeff Francis

Age: 28Bats/throws: Left/left

Heads into camp with a troublesome left shoulder that could very well require surgery. That casts a dark shadow over his entire season. Francis's awful 2008 season was marred by lack of fastball command, due in part to his sore shoulder.

2008: 4-10, 5.01 ERA in 24 games/24 starts

48 Jason Hirsh

Age: 26Bats/throws: Right/right

Started season on DL with shoulder problems and didn't pitch for Rockies until September. Struggled in the minors with more walks (52) than strikeouts (51).

2008: 4-4, 5.80 ERA in 18 games/17 starts

with Triple-A Colorado Springs

38 Ubaldo Jimenez

Age: 25Bats/throws: Right/right

Rockies rewarded Jimenez's potential with a four-year, $10 million deal. Next step for club's most talented pitcher is consistency from opening day through September.

2008: 12-12, 3.99 ERA in 34 games/34 starts

21 Jason Marquis

Age: 30Bats/throws: Left/right

Arrived via trade for reliever Luis Vizcaino. Sinkerball pitcher projects as a fourth or fifth starter. His main objective is quality starts and eating up innings. Should be a good fit at Coors Field.

2008: 11-9, 4.53 ERA in 29 games/28 starts

with Chicago Cubs

56 Franklin Morales

Age: 23Bats/throws: Left/left

Fits of wildness (17 walks vs. nine strikeouts) sent Morales down to Triple-A for most of 2008. He went 10-5 with a 5.47 ERA with Sky Sox, showing raw talent but inconsistency. A longshot to make the rotation.

2008: 1-2, 6.39 ERA in five games/five starts

54 Greg Reynolds

Age: 23Bats/throws: Right/right

Top pick from 2006 struggled in his rookie season, lacking command and giving up 14 homers in just 62 innings. He'll need a standout spring to break with big-league club.

2008: 2-8, 8.13 ERA in 14 games/13 starts

23 Greg Smith

Age: 25Bats/throws: Left/left

For Smith to have a shot at back end of rotation, he must cut down on walks (87 in 190 1/3 innings). A spot in the bullpen is a real possibility.

2008: 7-16, 4.16 ERA in 32 games/32 starts

with Oakland

Relief pitchers

35 Taylor Buchholz

Age: 27Bats/throws: Right/right

Found his niche as a quality set-up man last season. Big-time curveball helped produce 56 strikeouts vs. just 18 walks.

2008: 6-6, 2.17 ERA in 63 relief appearances

60 Manuel Corpas

Age: 26Bats/throws: Right/right

Arrived at camp last season overweight and out of shape. Poor mechanics left his slider spinning over the plate. He must regain his edge to beat out Huston Street and regain coveted closer role.

2008: 3-4, 4.52 ERA in 76 relief appearances

41 Alan Embree

Age: 39Bats/throws: Left/left

Rockies paying him $2.5 million to be left-handed set-up man and bring experience to the bullpen. Rockies are his 10th big-league club.

2008: 2-5, 4.96 ERA in 70 relief appearances

with Oakland

49 Jason Grilli

Age: 32Bats/throws: Right/right

After being traded from Detroit in late April, revived his career in Colorado . Rockies counting on him as middle reliever.

2008: 3-3, 3.00 ERA in 60 relief appearances

32 Glendon Rusch

Age: 34Bats/throws: Left/left

After sitting out 2007, last season was a comeback of sorts. He provides veteran depth but will need good spring to make roster. Signed to a minor-league contract.

2008: 5-5, 5.16 ERA in 35 appearances/nine starts

23 Ryan Speier

Age: 29Bats/throws: Right/right

Bounced back and forth between Triple-A and Rockies in 2008, putting up the best numbers of his career. Long reliever candidate.

2008: 2-1, 4.06 ERA in 43 relief appearances

16 Huston Street

Age: 25Bats/throws: Right/right

Key component of Matt Holliday trade, he lost his closer's job in Oakland last season. He still struck out 69 and walked just 27. Street believes his arm is healthy again and he'll claim the closer's job.

2008: 7-5, 3.73 ERA, 18 saves, in 63 relief

appearances with Oakland

Catchers

15 Edwin Bellorin

Age: 26Bats/throws: Right/right

Invited to camp as insurance and depth while Chris Iannetta plays in World Baseball Classic.