Got a question about 2B, with Nix in,& Giles out & Barmes the presumed utility player.

Is Omar Quintanilla doomed to permanent minor leage status? He's had a good Spring offensively, he's a great fielder, and he can play multiple positions. He's better than some starting MLB second basemen.

The Rox should do him a favor & try to trade him to a team needing infielders. He deserves a shot at playing in the Majors.

One more comment: all you need to know about Kip Wells is that the Cardinals are desperate for pitching & didn't want him back. If Dave Duncan can't fix him, no one can. How long before the Rox admit their $3.1 million mistake & trade or release him?

I think the Rockies, more than any other contending team, need value in their long and middle inning relief arms, especially if they plan to use both Morales and Jimenez in the rotation early, not to mention the current inclusion of Redman as the number five. For both developmental and competitive reasons, it's likely that Hurdle will need the use of the quick hook often with both young hurlers, and having at least three multiple inning guys will be a big help. It's also why Ramon Ramirez might be worth forgoing the LOOGY for the time being, since he's capable of throwing two innings per outing as well.

Also, just the suggestion of extending the bullpen arms shows Hurdle's maturity as a manager. We still need to wait and see if he does put it in practice, but even him offering the notion of using high leverage relievers for several innings (Herges, Buchholz) may hint that he's finally willing to let go of his rigid use of traditional bullpen roles.