Franklin Morales Leading the Way for the Colorado Rockies Fifth Starter Role

Going into spring training, the main question facing the Rockies was who would fill the fifth spot in the starting rotation.

A plethora of pitchers entered the race, some with a greater chance than others. 

2006 first round draft pick Greg Reynolds, Josh Fogg, Matt Belisle, Jason Hirsh, Franklin Morales, and newly acquired Greg Smith were all in the running for the fifth spot.

There were several opinions circulating on who should win the job.  Many thought that Fogg should be the favorite based on his experience and reputation with the team. "The Dragon slayer"—as he is referred to in the clubhouse—was a huge part of the 2007 run to the World Series.

Hirsh was also a favorite based on his play in 2007, before two separate injuries limited his time on the field. Then, a shoulder injury limited him to just two appearances in the big leagues in 2008.

After three weeks of spring, the field had narrowed itself to just two.

Smith, acquired in the Matt Holliday trade from Oakland, started spring well before being sidelined with the flu for a week.  Despite his time away, the Rockies seemed high on his ability and eager to see what he could bring.

In his first Major League action since his return, Smith pitched on Tuesday against the Cubs. He was roughed up for three earned runs in three innings.

Morales, however, has shown the promise that the front office has been excited to see.  His velocity is back up in the mid-90's, something that had inexplicably dropped at the beginning of the 2008 season.

Morales spring numbers are a pedestrian 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA, but the Rockies are impressed with his control and poise on the mound. His control and poise were things that Morales struggled mightily with during his time in the big leagues, and all throughout last season in Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Jim Wright, former roving pitching instructor and current bullpen coach, has been credited with helping Morales with his mechanics and helping him with his control.

Morales had been dealing with a lower back issue that he never mentioned to the team all throughout the 2008 campaign.

Despite the fact that Morales seems to have a stronghold on the fifth starter job, that doesn't mean that he will be on the opening day roster. 

The Rockies have several off days in the early part of the season, and will not need a fifth starter until Apr. 21, 2009—two and a half weeks into the season.

Both Smith and Morales have the opportunity to show that one deserves the spot over the other. 

Regardless, the fate of the Rockies depends highly on the success of the fifth starter, so it should be interesting to see who comes out on top.