Todd Helton News: Pro Sports Daily

Helton And Teammates Glance Back And Look Ahead

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May 30

InsideTheRockies.com

"Todd Helton was surprised. Not at the news that Clint Hurdle was fired as the Rockies manager. No, that seemed inevitable, a matter of when not if, given how much water the Rockies had taken on, particularly lately. Helton was at Coors Field on Friday when he learned of Hurdle's fate. He went into Hurdle's office, thanked Hurdle for all he had done for him and then, Helton, said they just talked. And that's when the surprise came. "I didn't think I'd be as emotional as I was," Helton said. "I'm not an emotional guy. But I was. To see him and to realize he wasn't going to be the manager anymore, it was tough. But we all knew it was coming by the way we were playing." Helton had the most ..."

Helton: "We realize .. we are the reason"

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May 30

Denver Post

"His voice a bit hoarse, his eyes slightly red, Clint Hurdle said his goodbyes Friday in the executive suite at Coors Field. Some employees cried as Hurdle left. Hurdle's exit seemed inevitable, but it was a sobering day for players. The Rockies have woefully underachieved, their last-place standing in the National League West an indictment of the players as much as Hurdle. "We should be held just as accountable as anybody. Obviously, he takes the sword for us," said Todd Helton, whose relationship with Hurdle dates to 1995. "He didn't have any bad at-bats, he didn't throw any bad pitches. He's the same manager he was two years ago. We realize that. We realize that ultimately we are the ..."

Headache sits Helton down

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May 26

Denver Post

"Todd Helton's day started with pomp and circumstance but ended with a headache. Helton left the game in the fourth inning with what the club called "migraine symptoms." He is day to day. Helton went 0-for-2, snapping a four-game hitting streak. Manager Clint Hurdle said he didn't think Helton had ever suffered migraines before. Before the game, the first baseman was honored for the milestone 2,000th hit of his career, which came last week in Atlanta. With music from "The Natural" playing to the crowd, the club showed a video of his biggest hits on the giant scoreboard beyond left field. With team owners Charlie and Dick Monfort, club president Keli McGregor, general manager Dan O'Dowd and ..."

Less bat speed doesn't hinder Helton

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May 23

Denver Post

"Earlier this week, on the occasion of the 2,000th hit of his career, Todd Helton lamented that he'd lost bat speed since getting his first big-league hit on Aug. 2, 1997, at Pittsburgh's Three Rivers Stadium. So how come, at age 35 and playing with a surgically repaired back, Helton is hitting .343 and cranked out the fifth grand slam of his career Thursday night in Atlanta? "It's his plate discipline and his confidence at the plate," manager Clint Hurdle said. "One of the most overrated things in this game can be bat speed, because if you don't have the hand-eye coordination to go with it, it doesn't play out." Hurdle also noted Helton's uncanny ability to work a pitch count. Helton got ..."

Helton back to beltin'

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May 7

Denver Post

columnist Mark Kiszla

"Desperate for a new hero to lead them out of a last-place funk, the Rockies reached back to their past, dusted off a grizzled old bear and discovered there's still plenty of bite in Todd Helton's bat. Beltin' Helton is back. And you'll never guess one of the secrets of his .360 batting average. Since his back surgery in September, Helton has begun resting his 35-year-old joints in a hyperbaric chamber on a regular basis. "I sleep in it a lot. Until I have to pee. And then I get up," Helton said Wednesday, after belting three hits in Colorado's 11-1 rout of San Francisco. "It definitely takes away some of the soreness. It definitely doesn't hurt. And I do anything I can to help." Yes, an ..."

Workload up, but Helton still being monitored

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April 23

Denver Post

"The only thing Todd Helton appreciates more than a hit is dry wit. So he smiled when asked about Tuesday night's conversation with hitting instructor Don Baylor after his first home run of the season. "He told me it was about time," Helton said. Playing time has become a topic regarding Helton. As in how much? He started his sixth consecutive game Wednesday, and his home run Tuesday night, according to all parties involved, did not influence Wednesday's lineup. It was decided Monday that Helton would play all three games in the series if his back was OK. "I told them I would tell them if it didn't feel right. It's fine. I feel a lot better now than I did (a year ago)," said Helton, who has ..."

Helton remains optimistic despite struggles

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April 17

Denver Post

"The closer's job is likely to change hands from Huston Street to Manuel Corpas. Chris Iannetta has only one hit. And arguably neither of those two things is the season's biggest surprise for the Rockies. The most unlikely occurrence? Todd Helton's disappearing bat. He was the Rockies' best hitter in the Cactus League but has trudged to a slow start, batting just .200 with two extra-base hits. Helton dismissed the cold weather in the last four games as a reason, saying his surgically repaired back feels fine. "My swing just isn't real good yet," Helton said. "It has nothing to do with my back. Hopefully, with the day off to not think about it, I will get that good feeling back." Helton has ..."

Helton back to beltin'

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April 6

Denver Post

"The late, great Joe DiMaggio once said, "You always get a special kick on opening day, no matter how many you go through. You look forward to it like a birthday party when you're a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen." For the 2009 Rockies, that optimism, that sense of the possible, stems from a trusted old source: a healthy Todd Helton. Ask around the Rockies' clubhouse and players will tell you their 35-year-old first baseman - who is returning from back surgery and hasn't hit 20 home runs since 2005 and hasn't driven in 100 runs since 2003 - is the key to a much-needed offensive resurgence. The Rockies hit .263 last season, .256 with runners in scoring position. Both ..."

Helton adds to power display

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March 17

Denver Post

"On a day when the future looked bright with Jhoulys Chacin, Todd Helton provided another blast from the past Monday. Helton exceeded last spring's home run total with his second in five games. "I am ready for the season to start," said Helton, who admitted he's ahead of schedule. He drilled a 430-foot shot to left-center. While tiring of talking about himself, Helton praised Chacin. Just 21, the club's top pitching prospect is making a strong bid to start in Triple-A. The right-hander surrendered three runs in three innings, but his sinker and changeup appear big-league ready. "I love him. He works fast and gets groundballs," Helton said. Hirsh farmed out. Jason Hirsh's bid for the fifth ..."

Helton back in business with homer

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March 9

Denver Post

"Crack! Without saying a word, Todd Helton announced his return Sunday at Hi Corbett Field, crushing a home run for the Rockies in the first baseman's first at-bat since Sept. 14. The 450-foot blast over the center-field wall came at 2:32 p.m. MDT, producing smiles and exhales. Five months removed from back surgery, Helton, who admitted he was nervous, provided tangible evidence for optimism. "He left a ball over the middle of the plate, and I did what I was supposed to do. It's one at-bat. I have to do it over a long period of time to help this team win," said Helton, who went 1-for-2 and fielded his position cleanly in three innings. "But it was a lot better than grounding out to second ..."

Helton planning to play "in about a week"

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March 3

Denver Post

"Todd Helton's road to recovery hasn't hit any major detours, but the Rockies first baseman remains days away from his Cactus League debut. "I'll play in about a week, maybe sooner," he said Monday. "I feel good. I'll be ready to go." The Rockies say Helton's recovery from arthroscopic back surgery Sept. 30 has him on pace to be in their starting lineup for the April 6 regular-season opener at Arizona. The team has steadily increased Helton's physical activities. He's now taking batting practice and doing some infield work. "Any time you introduce something new, you are going to be sore, which is understandable," Helton said. "But overall, I feel good." Added manager Clint Hurdle: "I don't ..."

Helton sits out first spring game

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February 26

Denver Post

"The Rockies' opening spring training lineup was notable Wednesday for who was not in it. First baseman Todd Helton, recovering from offseason back surgery, did not play. He explained why after his morning workout. "I am about a week behind in terms of my conditioning, of just feeling like I can go out there with no worries," Helton said. "I am swinging and doing all the drills, but it's a really, really long spring." Some marriages are shorter. The Rockies final exhibition game is April 4 in Las Vegas, by which time Colorado will have a much better read on Helton's odds of staying healthy. "It will good to get back on the field, to see live groundballs defensively, to run the bases, but I ..."

Helton: back feels "100 times better" than last season

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February 21

Denver Post

"During batting practice Thursday, Todd Helton lined a ball over the fence in right-center field, earning him a fist bump from Yorvit Torrealba. In the grand scheme of things, it was a minor moment on the first day of full-team workouts. But for Helton, returning from back surgery, it was a small symbol that he's making strides with his rehabilitation. "My back is something I have to deal with, but it feels 100 times better than it felt last year during the season, so all of that is a positive," Helton said. Both Helton and manager Clint Hurdle continue saying the goal is having Helton in the lineup for the regular-season opener. To reach that goal, Helton will take precautions this spring, ..."

Helton on the mend following surgery

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October 3

Denver Post

"Rockies first baseman Todd Helton had surgery on his lower back and is expected to be ready for spring training. Helton, a career .328 hitter, batted just .264 with seven homers and 29 RBIs in 83 games this season. His balky back sent him to the disabled list for the third time in his 12-year career and first since 2006. Helton, a five-time all-star, had played in at least 144 games in each of the previous 10 seasons. Dr. Robert Watkins performed the operation Tuesday at Marina del Rey Hospital in Los Angeles. The Rockies said Thursday that the 35-year-old Helton has returned home to Denver to recuperate."

Arthroscopic back surgery called 'success' for Rockies' Helton

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October 1

Rocky Mountain News

"Rockies first baseman Todd Helton underwent arthroscopic surgery Tuesday afternoon designed to remove the pressure a bulging disk in his lower back has put on a nerve, creating pain and numbness in Helton's left leg. Dr. Robert Watkins, considered one of the nation's premier back specialists, performed the surgery at Marina del Rey (Calif.) Hospital and called it "a success." Watkins indicated the size of the bulge in the disk was bigger than anticipated but said it was the cause of all Helton's discomfort, and Watkins was confident the problem was alleviated by the surgery. Helton was told to limit his activities for two weeks, after which he will begin a rehabilitation program. Watkins ..."

Back surgery for Helton

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September 25

Denver Post

"Three months of chronic back pain could finally conclude with surgery for first baseman Todd Helton on Tuesday. Three weeks of an annoying ache for center fielder Willy Taveras turned out to be a broken right tibia. Helton, 35, will undergo arthroscopic surgery by noted Southern California spine specialist Robert Watkins to repair an irritated disc. Trainer Keith Dugger said Helton would be ready for spring training. Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal had a similar surgery this season and returned. Helton knew surgery was a possibility, something he said last week he hopes "addresses the problem." The Rockies owe Helton $56.9 million on a contract that expires after the 2011 season if a club ..."

Rockies report: Helton keeps improving

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September 1

Rocky Mountain News

"First baseman Todd Helton continues to move forward in his quest to return to the active roster before the season ends in four weeks. Helton, out since July 3 with lower back stiffness, swung the bat all three days the Rockies were in San Diego, including taking regular batting practice Saturday and Sunday. Two times previously, since he was disabled, Helton has suffered significant setbacks when he started to swing the bat, but not this time. "We are trying to figure out a plan of attack," Helton said. "If I can play I want to play (not be a bat off the bench). I'm not looking at next year or sitting on my stats or anything. I want to play and do my job." TORREALBA PLANS Trainer Keith ..."

Helton improving, hits for second straight day

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September 1

Denver Post

"A second day brought a first for Todd Helton in his slow-speed march back to the Rockies' active roster. Helton hit on back-to-back days at Petco Park, lining shots to all fields and showing gap power as he attempts to return from a troubling irritated disc injury in his back. "I didn't blow out, so that's good. My swing felt better, and I was able to go back out there (Sunday), so that's a positive," Helton said. "I hurt myself the last two times after hitting (off a tee)." Helton, 35, is taking groundballs and moving much better, an encouraging sign for next season as much as anything. It reinforces the idea that Helton can manage the pain. The key, he admitted, is maintaining strength ..."

Helton recovery continues

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September 1

Denver Post

"Todd Helton continued his slow march back to the active roster, hitting on the field for a second straight day for the first time since landing on the disabled list on July 4. After doing tee work to loosen up, Helton rifled baseballs into the gap and showed even better power than the previous day. "I am not where I want to be but you can always say that about your swing. I feel better. I am learning to pace myself," Helton said. "I am hoping to get back before the season ends." Helton finished his afternoon by running sprints in the outfield."

Helton not giving up ship

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August 28

Denver Post

"Rockies first baseman Todd Helton remains committed to returning this season, if the irritated disc in his back cooperates. Helton never considered shutting it down for the year, and said Wednesday the team's surge back into contention has only strengthened his resolve. "That helps. The guys are doing their part. But also, I would never want it assumed that I wasn't doing everything I can to get back, because that's not who I am," Helton said. "I want to play." Whether that's realistic will become clearer this week. Helton took groundballs hit directly at him Wednesday and plans to hit off a tee Friday in San Diego. The torque required to swing remains the biggest obstacle. Twice since he ..."

Helton's aches looking a lot like Mattingly's once did

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August 20

Denver Post

"Before there was Todd Helton, there was Don Mattingly. He was the New York Yankees' gamer, a Gold Glove first baseman, the face of a franchise during dark years. And like Helton, Mattingly was struck by back problems. Mattingly retired at the age of 34. Helton turns 35 today. The Dodgers' hitting instructor is rooting for Helton to come back strong but admitted that he faces a difficult adjustment. "It got to the point where I couldn't play through the pain. And it took me a couple of years, to be honest, to learn to deal with it," Mattingly said Tuesday. "Everybody told me I needed to back off the amount of work I did, but when I did that I didn't feel prepared." No Rockies player has ..."

Back off on "Helton has to go" talk

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August 19

Denver Post

columnist Patrick Saunders

"I've heard the murmur growing from some of you Rockies fans. It goes something like this: "Of course I love Todd Helton. But he's 35 years old, has a bad back, can't hit for power anymore and his $16.6 million contract is dead weight. Can't we find a way to get rid of him? But in a nice way?" With Helton almost certainly lost for the season, and possibly facing back surgery, those sentiments seem, on the surface, to make some sense. But the truth is, I miss Helton. Few pro athletes are as much fun to be around. In spring training, I introduced Todd to my wife, Nancy. He enveloped her in a bearhug, making her feel special. Then he looked me up and down, and said to Nancy, "You've got to go ..."

Rockies report: Helton still hurting

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August 5

Rocky Mountain News

"First baseman Todd Helton underwent a magnetic resonance imaging exam Monday that confirmed the disk problems that have created lower back problems and forced him on the disabled list July 3. "There was no surprise," trainer Keith Dugger said. "We just have to slow down and continue the rehab." Helton began swinging a bat last week, but after two days developed spasms that forced him to stop. "It's frustrating to feel like you aren't helping your team," he said. "A week ago, I thought I was getting close and then there was a setback.""

Helton worried about returning

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August 5

Denver Post

"Todd Helton underwent an MRI on Monday to determine the condition of his problematic lower back. Although the tests showed no further damage to an injured disc, the Rockies first baseman remains out for an indefinite period of time. Asked if he was worried that his season might be over, Helton said, "Of course. The season is running out. But I want to get back as soon as possible. I will just keep working as hard as I can to get back." Helton, who turns 35 on Aug. 20, has already missed 29 games, and there are just 48 remaining. He's been on the disabled list since July 3 with what's officially being called a strained lower back. Rockies trainer Keith Dugger said the MRI didn't reveal more ..."

Helton undergoes MRI on back

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August 5

Denver Post

"The results of an MRI today on his lower back and subsequent consultation with doctors will determine when - or if - Todd Helton will rejoin the Rockies this season. Asked today if he was worried that his season might be over, Helton said, "Of course. The season is running out. But I want to get back as soon as possible. I will just keep working as hard as I can to get back." Helton has already missed 28 games and there are just 49 remaining, including tonight's game against the Washington Nationals. The first baseman has been on the disabled list since July 3 with what's officially being called a strained lower back. Asked if he is suffering from a major disc problem in his lower back, ..."

Helton slow in recovering

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August 3

Denver Post

"First basemen Todd Helton has suffered a setback in his recovery from a back injury, creating more uncertainty over when he might return. Helton hit off a tee and did soft-toss in the batting cage on consecutive days this week, after which his back problems flared up, according to the Rockies' training staff. They are classifying it as back spasms, though they believe it is related to his lower disk injury. They had hoped there would be more progress at this point, and there is no timetable for his return. With only two months remaining in the season, the calendar is starting to work against Helton. He will rest for the remainder of this weekend and be re-evaluated Monday when the Rockies ..."

Livan in talks; Helton in pain; running woes

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August 3

Denver Post

"As the Rockies continue internally discussing the pursuit of Twins starter Livan Hernandez, they are bracing for an extended absence for his all-time nemesis, first baseman Todd Helton. Helton, 33-for-69 against the right-hander, suffered a setback in his rehab this week, creating uncertainty over when and if he will return this season. Helton's back injury flared up after consecutive days of hitting off a tee and doing soft-toss drills in the batting cage, according to trainer Keith Dugger. It has been described as a back spasm but is related to his lower-disc irritation. The Rockies had hoped Helton would be making more progress at this point. He has been sidelined since July 3, missing ..."

Rockies report: Helton, Francis on mend

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July 14

Rocky Mountain News

"First baseman Todd Helton, on the disabled list with lower back inflammation, will be working out with the Rockies when they return from the All-Star break. Trainer Keith Dugger said a second epidural Helton was given last week "hit the area. He is rid of the symptoms." Left-handed pitcher Jeff Francis, on the disabled list with left shoulder inflammation, came out of his 45-pitch bullpen session Saturday in good shape. Dugger said Francis will throw another bullpen session Thursday, after which a decision will be made on whether to have Francis throw live batting practice or go on a minor league rehabilitation assignment."

Rockies' Helton to undergo pain treatment

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July 8

Rocky Mountain News

"Rockies first baseman Todd Helton will receive an epidural on Tuesday in hopes of relieving the back and leg pain that forced him onto the disabled list. He disputed, however, a report that he has numbness in his leg. "I have had a pain in the leg and my back locked up, so we felt it was time to address the issues," Helton said Monday. "I have never had any numbess. I don?t know there that came from.?? Helton had been battling leg problems since mid-June, straining a hamstring while the Rockies were playing the White Sox in Chicago, and he attempted to play through that because the Rockies were shorthanded. He said the hamstring and current leg problem are not related."

Helton's injury bigger concern

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July 8

Denver Post

"A clearer picture of Todd Helton's back injury emerged Monday with the Rockies first baseman admitting that pain in his leg from a disc problem forced him onto the 15-day disabled list Friday. The new details create concern about when he might rejoin the club. "My leg began hurting and I've never had that before," Helton told The Denver Post. "So I'm going to get an epidural (today) and see how it feels after that. Until then, I just don't know what's next." His disc irritation is in a different area from where he usually feels chronic back discomfort. As a result, he will receive an acute epidural injection today. After the area calms down, a road map will be established for his ..."

Rockies put Helton on DL

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July 5

Rocky Mountain News

"For nearly three weeks, Rockies first baseman Todd Helton tried to play through a lower back inflammation. It wasn?t working. Helton was placed on the disabled list Friday with lower back inflammation. Joe Koshansky, who is leading the Triple-A Pacific Coast League with 78 RBI, was called up from Colorado Springs and will combine with Jeff Baker to fill the first base void. Helton, meanwhile, will see if several days of complete rest will calm down the flare-up of a back problem that he has battled for at least five years."

Rockies swing Helton to the DL

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July 5

Denver Post

"Todd Helton spoke about the importance of health, about how hard it is to perform when hurt. "He needs to get rest and get right," Helton said. The first baseman was talking about pitcher Jeff Francis. He might as well have been describing his own plight. The pain not getting any better in his back, Helton, as signs pointed to Thursday, was placed on the disabled list today."

Ailing Helton sits

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July 4

Rocky Mountain News

"Todd Helton was not in the lineup for the series opener against the Marlins because of a sore back, a chronic condition the veteran first baseman has been dealing with for years. Rockies manager Clint Hurdle did not use Helton off the bench during Thursday's 6-5, 11-inning victory, and Hurdle indicated Helton's status will be re-evaluated daily."

Helton battling sore back

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July 3

Denver Post

"Todd Helton is hurting. The Rockies first baseman was replaced in the eighth inning Wednesday by Jeff Baker. It's not unusual for Colorado to lift the 34-year- old Helton in the late inning of a blowout, but the Rockies were ahead of the Padres just 7-1 when Helton came out. After the game, Helton admitted that his problematic lower back is bothering him. "It's just worse than usual," he said. Helton, hitting .266, went 0-for-2 and walked twice."

Admit it: Helton's status slipping

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June 23

Denver Post

columnist Mark Kiszla

"The singles hitter formerly known as slugger Todd Helton wore a black T-shirt and walked slowly through the Rockies clubhouse, past teammates he has repeatedly left on base and too often let down. The slumping Helton bats cleanup in the Colorado batting order on reputation, not merit. Something needs to change. How do you tell the best player in franchise history that at age 34 he lacks the oomph to generate the thump required by the heart of the Colorado batting order? This thorny issue is not easy to confront for Rockies manager Clint Hurdle or anyone who has watched Helton belt nearly 2,000 hits in his major-league career."

Mailbag: Lineup likely to shuffle

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June 23

Denver Post

"Todd Helton's position in the lineup has become a hot topic. It's likely that he will be moved out of the cleanup spot based on what manager Clint Hurdle and Helton said last weekend. Helton is mired in a 9-for-49 slump and just completed a 3-for-19 homestand. Hurdle has never judged Helton on his power, but rather his ability to score and drive in runs. He's not doing either right now, so he could benefit from a switch. Moving him to second is a possibility, giving him even better pitches to hit with Matt Holliday behind him. As a temporary fix that reflects who's hot now, Hurdle could simply flip-flop Brad Hawpe and Helton, shifting Helton to sixth. It's not a permanent ..."

Slumping Helton out, Baker in

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June 20

Denver Post

"It's simple. Jeff Baker's hot, Todd Helton's not. Plus, Helton has played in 70 of the Rockies' 71 games thus far. That's why Baker starts at first base tonight against the Indians and Helton watches from the bench. "We're giving Todd a day off, which I think is more than appropriate at this time," manager Clint Hurdle said."

Helton's HR shows signs of revival

June 1

Denver Post

"As recently as last week, Todd Helton wondered if he was allergic to RBIs. He knows he's not immune to criticism with the Rockies off to their worst start since the "Todd and the Toddlers" days of 2005. While many focus on his lacking muscle, he's on pace to hit 17 home runs, his average the past three seasons. Where he has come up short are in RBIs and extra-base hits. After 56 games, he projects to drive in a career- worst 61 runs and finish with just 49 extra-base hits, 11 shy of his previous low. "He knows how important he is to this team and this lineup," manager Clint Hurdle said Saturday. "He doesn't have to be a max home run guy. We need him to drive in runs and score runs ..."

"Let's play none" just fine with Helton, team

May 23

Denver Post

"When a team is rolling, players can't wait to get to the ballpark. The foundering Rockies? Not so much. They were glad to get Thursday off before opening a three-game series tonight against the Mets. "I think the off day will help," Todd Helton said Wednesday after a disheartening 3-2, 10-inning loss to the Giants. "Hopefully it will recharge our battery a little bit, and we will be refocused and we can turn this thing around.""

Rest assured, Helton ready to regroup

May 14

Denver Post

"Todd Helton wasn't about to fight the rest. Manager Clint Hurdle did not start the first baseman Tuesday for only the second time this season. Helton, 34, has just three extra-base hits and three RBIs over his past 13 games. Helton said he understands when he's struggling, adding, "I don't know if I am (fatigued), but I know this can't hurt." Hurdle had planned to sit Helton even before Arizona decided to start left-hander Randy Johnson. Helton is 6-for-27 against left-handers this season and has yet to hit a home run on the road. He is reaching base at a .390 clip, though, a testament to his plate discipline."

Goodbye, Nix; hello, No. 2 Helton

April 27

Denver Post

"With his ballclub treading water, Rockies manager Clint Hurdle turned proactive before Saturday night's game against the Dodgers. He demoted second baseman Jayson Nix, moved Todd Helton up in the batting order and put struggling starter Ubaldo Jimenez on notice."

Helton sets tone for team

March 16

Denver Post

"It's a perfect, sun-splashed desert morning and Todd Helton is striding across the outfield grass at Hi Corbett Field. He's in a hurry to get to his workout and has little time to talk about his least-favorite subject — himself."

Helton trying to find swing

March 12

Denver Post

"Todd Helton's body language told the story. While going 0-for-3 in the Rockies' 4-1 victory over Seattle on Tuesday afternoon, Helton frequently took extra practice cuts, searching for his proper swing plane. When he grounded into a double play in the fourth, his frustration was evident."

Holliday, Helton might pull switch

February 26

Denver Post

"Manager Clint Hurdle is prepared to experiment with his lineup this spring, flip-flopping Matt Holliday and Todd Helton in the batting order. Holliday and Helton confirmed that Hurdle talked with them about the potential switch of moving Helton to the three hole and Holliday to cleanup, which could begin as soon as Wednesday's Cactus League opener against the Chicago White Sox."

Helton's sunny delight

February 21

Denver Post

"Todd Helton showed up at spring training a year ago with a bushy beard and a gloomy disposition. The beard, looking like it belongs on a Civil War general, remains. But Helton's mood, bolstered by the Rockies' World Series appearance and a memorable offseason, is decidedly sunnier."

GM: Helton won't have to deal with trade rumors

November 9

Denver Post

"The Rockies aren't considering dealing the most recognizable face in franchise history. 'It's a complete non-issue,' Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said Thursday before departing the baseball meetings."

Helton's slide typifies Rockies' no-quit style

October 29

Rocky Mountain News

"Helton continued to speak softly and lead by example Sunday. He led off the second inning with the Rockies' first hit, a line drive into the left-field gap, and dived into second base."

Broomsday: Sox sweep Series

October 29

Denver Post

"The Boston Red Sox are the World Series champions after a nervy 4-3 victory Sunday night at Coors Field. 'To get this close and not win, it's hard,' said first baseman Todd Helton, who waited 10 years to reach the playoffs."

Manning backups Helton, Smith became Rockies

October 27

Boston Globe

"And Helton? Well, baseball's got hold of him, too, and you could say those quarterback days at Tennessee have something to do with it. Several weeks after inheriting the starting job in the wake of Colquitt's injury, the pride of Knoxville Central High School - a pure-bred Tennessee boy - got hurt, too. Thus did the door open for a wide-eyed, strong-armed freshman named Peyton Manning."

Helton doesn't beat himself up over Game 1 beating

October 26

Boston Globe

"Embarrassment? No, Todd Helton wouldn't go that far in describing the Rockies' 13-1 pratfall against the Red Sox in Game 1 of the World Series Wednesday night at Fenway Park."