Colorado Rockies Roster Report

General manager Dan O'Dowd needs to be signed to a contract extension so he can begin to make decisions on the club's future, and manager Jim Tracy, whose contract also expired after the World Series, needs to be given a new deal.

The Rockies went into the offseason without glaring holes at any position or on their pitching staff and are not facing the departures of any players who will be costly. They have a veteran starter returning, LHP Jeff Francis, who missed the 2009 season following shoulder surgery. He should replace RHP Jason Marquis in the rotation. The team has ample depth in the bullpen.

BIGGEST NEEDS: The Rockies need a right-handed hitter, preferably one who can play first base, third base or the outfield and hit with power. Their only imposing right-handed hitter is SS Troy Tulowitzki, who became the full-time cleanup hitter in early August. Colorado went 27-26 against left-handed starting pitchers during the regular season while averaging 4.85 runs per game. The Rockies were 19-10 against left-handed starters at home, averaging 6.41 runs per game, and 8-16 on the road, averaging 2.96 runs per game. In the NL Division Series, which they lost in four games, the Phillies started four left-handers.

A 2010 rebound by C Chris Iannetta, who had a disappointing season that resulted in him losing his starting job in mid-August, would give the Rockies some much-needed right-handed hitting punch.

DEPARTURES: OF Matt Murton (free agent, will play in Japan), INF Mike McCoy (claimed off waivers by Blue Jays).

FREE AGENTS: RHP Jason Marquis, LHP Alan Embree, C Yorvit Torrealba, RHP Josh Fogg, RHP Matt Herges, 1B Jason Giambi, LHP Joe Beimel, RHP Juan Rincon, RHP Jose Contreras, RHP Joel Peralta.

Marquis is hoping to go to the Mets and won't be resigned after fading in the second half, which has been his history. The Rockies won't pick up the $4 million option on Torrealba, who could return in a part-time role with a salary of about $1 million to go with his $500,000 buyout. Giambi was a great clubhouse presence, but the Rockies need a roster spot for a right-handed hitter who can play the corner infield, and Giambi bats left-handed. Beimel is unlikely to be back. Peralta chose free agency when he was outrighted off the 40-man roster.

ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: 3B Garrett Atkins, 2B Clint Barmes, RHP Taylor Buchholz, LHP Jorge De La Rosa, RHP Jason Hammel, C Chris Iannetta, OF Ryan Spilborghs, RHP Huston Street.

The Rockies likely will try to sign Barmes to a multiyear deal, and they must decide whether to do so with Street and De La Rosa, both free agents after 2010. Atkins is not expected to be tendered a 2010 contract after becoming a $7.05 million bench player this year.

IN LIMBO: RF Brad Hawpe and OF Ryan Spilborghs could be traded. Hawpe, a first-time All-Star in 2009 whose output fell off badly in the second half, is signed for $7.5 million in 2010 with an $11 million club option for 2011 that Hawpe can void if he's traded. The improved play of younger OFs Carlos Gonzalez, Dexter Fowler and Seth Smith make it likely the Rockies will explore trading Hawpe and Spilborghs, both 30.

MEDICAL WATCH:

LHP Jeff Francis (left shoulder surgery in February 2009) missed the entire 2009 season but pitched without pain in three games in September in the Instructional League. He should be ready to start spring training and will be counted on to replace RHP Jason Marquis in the rotation.

RHP Taylor Buchholz (Tommy John surgery in June 2009) is expected to return by the 2010 All-Star break.

RHP Manuel Corpas (bone chips in right elbow) underwent surgery July 24 and later developed a staph infection. He pitched in the Instructional League and should be ready for the start of spring training.

LHP Alan Embree (broken right tibia) had his 2009 season end July 10 when struck by a line drive. He'll be 40 in January but wants to play in 2010. Embree was throwing at the end of the season and should have full mobility by spring training.