The Rockies have options - literally and figuratively - in their effort to fill out their roster in spring training.

The evaluation process begins today, when the Rockies play host to Arizona in the Cactus League opener for both teams at Hi Corbett Field.

Manager Clint Hurdle and his staff are eager to start evaluating the candidates for three open spots in the outfield and the fifth slot in the starting rotation.

"The games, obviously, give us an opportunity to factor in a little more reality," Hurdle said.

The bonus is the Rockies can make the decisions without considering anything except the abilities of the players involved.

There are only two players who are considered to have legitimate opportunities to make the roster who could leave the organization if they aren't on the disabled list or on the active roster for the

regular-season opener at Arizona on April 6.

Right-handed reliever Juan Morillo is out of options, meaning he would have to clear waivers to be sent to the minor leagues. And Morillo will have to pitch well enough during spring training to force himself into a bullpen that seems fairly well set.

Right-handers Huston Street and Manuel Corpas will battle for the closer role, but the other will share eighth-inning duties with left-hander Alan Embree. Right- handers Taylor Buchholz, Jason Grilli and Ryan Speier and left- hander Glendon Rusch would seem to be in line for the four other bullpen spots.

Outfielder Scott Podsednik is signed to a minor league contract, but he has the right to void the deal if he doesn't make the big-league roster.

"We know we will use more than 25 players during the course of the season, so it is important that we create depth at (Triple-A) Colorado Springs," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "That was a part of our thought process in putting the (spring training) roster together."

Case in point was outfielder Matt Murton, acquired from Oakland for infield prospect Cory Wimberly. On a team that is strong on left-handed-hitting outfielders, Murton is a right-handed alternative in left field and as a backup. He played well against the Rockies when he was with the Chicago Cubs, for whom he hit .297 with 13 home runs in 144 games in 2006. He also has an option remaining.

"That was a key part of our decision, knowing we had roster flexibility with him," O'Dowd said.

Right fielder Brad Hawpe, a left-handed hitter, and center fielder Ryan Spilborghs, a right-handed hitter, are the only outfielders set on the roster.

Murton, Dan Ortmeier, a switch hitter who is much better from the right side, and left-handed hitters Podsednik, Seth Smith, Carlos Gonzalez and Ian Stewart are candidates for the three remaining roster spots.

Smith is considered the leading candidate to start in left field, but he has no guarantees. Podsednik is the one true center fielder, which would at least make him the likely backup to Spilborghs.

Murton, Ortmeier, Stewart and Gonzalez are capable of putting on a push to beat out Smith, but they also are legitimate candidates for the extra outfielder role.

In addition to Murton, Gonzalez and Smith each have an option, and Smith has two options remaining. Ortmeier is signed to a minor league contract with no opt-out clause.

The rotation spot opened by Jeff Francis' decision to undergo left shoulder surgery today is wide open.

The first four starters will be Aaron Cook, who starts today's game and most likely will draw the assignment in the regular-season opener in Arizona, Ubaldo Jimenez, Jason Marquis and Jorge De La Rosa.

The fifth starter will be chosen from a group that includes left-handers Greg Smith and Franklin Morales and right-handers Greg Reynolds, Jason Hirsh, Josh Fogg and Matt Belisle.

Smith, acquired from Oakland along with Gonzalez and Street, has three years of options remaining. Morales and Reynolds each have two options. Hirsh has one. Fogg and Belisle are signed to minor league contracts and would have to accept minor league assignments unless another major league team would put them on the 25-man active roster.

"We feel we have a good mix of major league players and are looking forward to seeing how things shake out," O'Dowd said.

It's up to Hurdle to ensure each candidate gets a chance to show his skills.

"You can't miss an opportunity to present yourself, but over the course of spring training, things like fatigue and injuries will enter into unexpected opportunities (to play)," Hurdle said. "We have a 36-game schedule, the most games we've ever had, so there will be a volume of innings for each player to get his chance."

ETC.: Pitching prospects Jhouyls Chacin and Esmil Rogers pitched two shutout innings in Tuesday's intrasquad game. . . . Fogg gave up four first-inning runs, allowing five hits and one walk. . . . Outfielder Matt Miller went 3-for-3 with two runs.

WORLD EXPOSURE

Right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez, one of six Rockies players named to the final rosters for the World Baseball Classic that were announced Tuesday, said he was assured of starting for the Dominican Republic by manager Felipe Alou and pitching coach Mario Soto.

"The Rockies wanted some assurances," he said. "I just signed a new (multiyear) contract, so I understand. . . . This is the first time I have represented my country. It is a dream come true."

In addition to Jimenez, outfielder Brad Hawpe and catcher Chris Iannetta are on the U.S. team, right-hander Jason Grilli is on the Italian team, right-hander Manuel Corpas will pitch for Panama and left-hander Adam Bright will be with Australia.

Marcel Lachemann, a special assistant to general manager Dan O'Dowd, will be the pitching coach for the U.S. and Vinny Castilla, also a special assistant to O'Dowd, will manage Mexico.

FUTURE HOPE

3Rockies prospects were listed among the top 100 prospects selected by Baseball America. Outfielder Dexter Fowler is No. 15, right-hander Jhoulys Chacin is No. 46, and left-hander Christian Friedrich is No. 95.

HE SAID IT

"It was encouraging after having been with the Rockies last year that they gave me an opportunity to come back and play."

Scott Podsednik, outfielder, on agreeing to a minor league contract to return to the Rockies.

Tracy Ringolsby

Today's game

* Arizona (Billy Buckner) at Rockies (Aaron Cook), 1:05 p.m. Hi Corbett Field. Radio: KOA-AM (850). Also scheduled to pitch for the Rockies: Ubaldo Jimenez, Manuel Corpas, Alan Embree, Juan Morillo, Jason Grilli and Ryan Mattheus.

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