David Hale will compete for a rotation spot with the Rockies during spring training, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

Hale will compete for a rotation spot with the Rockies during spring training, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

Analysis:

Along with top pitching prospects Eddie Butler and Jon Gray, Hale will be given a chance to claim the No. 5 role in the rotation, but it's widely believed that Jorge De La Rosa, Tyler Matzek, Jhoulys Chacin, Jordan Lyles, and free-agent signing Kyle Kendrick have an inside track on the five spots. Fortunately for the right-handed Hale, who was acquired by the Rockies in January, he possesses the versatility to start or serve as a long man out of the bullpen, which should aid his chances of making the club.