Bolstered by the acquisition of three veteran free agents — right-hander Michael Lorenzen and Tomoyuki Sugano, and lefty Jose Quintana — the Rockies open spring training on Thursday at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz., with plenty of competition for the starting rotation.

In his quest to become a better, stronger, more accomplished pitcher, Rockies Renaissance man Ryan Feltner is going back to the Stone Age.

“We are not in a state of denial,” general manager Josh Byrnes said.

Competition for the Rockies’ starting rotation is becoming more intriguing. And older.

Searching for veteran depth in their starting rotation, the Rockies have agreed to a one-year, $5.1 million contract with right-handed pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano.

With a rebuilt front office and manager Warren Schaeffer entering his first full season at the helm, the Rockies enter spring training intent on rebounding from a 119-loss season that was the worst in franchise history and the third-most losses in the majors in a single season since 1901.