ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Colorado Rockies defeated reliever Brian Fuentes in salary arbitration when a panel ruled today the reliever should get $5.05 million this year rather than his request for $6.5 million.

Arbitrators Robert Bailey, Dan Brent and Elliott Shriftman made the decision one day after listening to arguments. Fuentes made $3,525,000 last year, when he saved 20 games in helping Colorado win its first NL pennant.

Outfielder Brad Hawpe and the Rockies avoided a hearing when they agreed Thursday to a one-year contract worth $3,925,000. Eligible for arbitration for the first time, Hawpe had asked for a raise from $403,000 to $4.35 million. Colorado filed at $3,575,000.

Hawpe batted .291 last season with 29 homers and 116 RBIs. In addition to his salary, Hawpe can earn $100,000 in performance bonuses: $50,000 each for 600 and 675 plate appearances.