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Todd Helton News & Rumors

Todd Helton hopes the Rockies make amends for "unacceptable" season
January 20
Denver Post
 columnist Mark Kiszla
"After the biggest bummer of a season in franchise history, what can the Rockies do for an encore? We don't have to say 2011 stunk on Blake Street. Todd Helton will say it for us. "It was the biggest disappointment that I ever went through," Helton said Thursday. "There was so much expectation. We truly believed that we were going to be a good team. Just to perform like we did and have the lapses and lose the games we did, it was unacceptable.""
Todd Helton "fine" with recovery of back in offseason
November 19
Denver Post
 
"The assumption was only half correct. It was generally believed that Todd Helton? played only four times in September, and not once in the last three weeks, because the Rockies were afterthought in the standings. No sense in risking his aching back for meaningless games. Truth is, he wasn't capable of playing. Even if the Rockies were contending, he would have been on the bench. That's the bad news. The good news is that he hasn't had any back issues this offseason, increasing optimism that he will be able to duplicate his bounce-back performance. "I have been working out. There have been no problems," said Helton, who has once again incorporated P90X training and heavy lifting. "I am"
Rockies' Todd Helton done for season because of bad back
September 23
Denver Post
 
"Todd Helton?'s sense of humor returned Thursday, the pregame featuring his crooked smile and dry wit. There will, however, be no more hits this season. Bothered by a stiff back over the past two weeks, Helton is shut down for the season. "He's likely done," manager Jim Tracy said. Tracy said it would be "ridiculous" to put Helton back in the lineup, thus risking a serious back injury. The 38-year- old underwent an MRI recently, which revealed no structural damage. He had a cortisone shot this month in hopes of returning but saw no significant improvement. Still, Helton doesn't think the back problem will linger into next season."
Rockies' Helton says MRI on back shows no damage
September 21
Denver Post
 
"Todd Helton's absence from the lineup has grown from a function of a team not contending to a concern. He hasn't played since last Tuesday because of a stiff back despite getting a cortisone shot to relieve the pain. To ease his own mind, Helton told The Post on Wednesday that he underwent an MRI recently, which showed no damage that would require surgery. "That was good news. There's nothing like that going on," said Helton, who had back surgery after the 2008 season. "It feels a little better. I can move around, but I can't play yet.""
Little injuries take Tulowitzki, CarGo, Helton out of Rockies' lineup
September 12
Denver Post
 
"Drew Pomeranz peeked at the lineup, and his eyes widened a bit. He wasn't sharing the spotlight with anyone Sunday. All-star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki? sat out for the second time in two days with stiffness in his left hip and will undergo an examination to determine whether he has bursitis. He could miss the two-game Milwaukee series. Right fielder Carlos Gonzalez was a late scratch with back stiffness. Todd Helton? sat out for the sixth time in the last seven games with back pain, but he remained hopeful that it will improve following a cortisone shot. Tulowitzki's left hip began tightening as he ran the bases in the later innings of Saturday's win over the Reds. "I hate watching. I"
Todd Helton won't let teammates give up hope
July 21
Denver Post
 
"Todd Helton's DNA makes him play until there's an X in the standings. This season has been a huge disappointment, but the first baseman isn't conceding anything despite the Rockies' increasingly long odds of reaching the playoffs. "The guys better still think we can make it. I am not hobbling around for my own personal numbers," Helton said. Helton, who turns 38 on Aug. 20, has rebounded from his worst season. He was batting .324 entering Wednesday and led the Rockies with 16 RBIs this month. He extended his hitting streak to nine games Wednesday with his 11th home run, a first-inning blast into the right-field seats off Atlanta's Tim Hudson. "Players like Todd and (Jason) Giambi don't"
Helton finds out today if he's on all-star team
July 7
Denver Post
 
"At this point a year ago, Todd Helton felt helpless, his back and leg aching, his statistics shrinking. Helton has not only rebounded, he's been arguably the Rockies' most consistent offensive player this year. "He has been," said shortstop Troy Tulowitzki . That has left Helton in a position he never anticipated — on the "final man" ballot for the July 12 All-Star Game in Phoenix. The voting ends at 2 p.m. MDT today. Helton, who has ranked third since the ballot came out, behind Philadelphia's Shane Victorino and the Dodgers' Andre Ethier , has warmed to the idea of returning to the Midsummer Classic for the first time since 2004. "I honestly thought my all-star days were done. It would"
Helton deserves your all-star vote
July 5
Denver Post
 columnist Mark Kiszla
"If more than 4 million sympathy votes landed Yankees short- stop Derek Jeter in the All- Star Game, then why should I feel the least little shame cramming the ballot box on behalf of Rockies first baseman Todd Helton ? True confession: I voted for Helton five times Monday, once for each of my knuckleheaded suggestions that Toddy Ballgame retire rather than play baseball in 2011. Call it penance. At age 37, Helton owns one of the top batting averages in the National League. He's on pace to smack his most home runs in five years. Did somebody say retire? Well, at least I now have something in common with a major-league pitcher trying to sneak a two-strike fastball past the corner of home"
Tulowitzki selected for All-Star Game; Helton in mix
July 4
Denver Post
 
"Troy Tulowitzki is a National League all-star for the second consecutive season. Will Todd Helton be joining him? Tulowitzki was named to the NL team Sunday, having been voted in by his fellow players. He was the lone Rockie to make the team, but veteran first baseman Helton has a chance if he wins a special supplemental election — "The Final Vote" — to be decided by fans, who can cast their ballots at MLB.com through 2 p.m. Thursday. Rockies manager Jim Tracy was Helton's de facto campaign manager Sunday. "I'm imploring to our Rockies nation to get busy, get online and punch that name 'Helton' as many times as you can possibly do it," Tracy said. "The contribution that this man has made"
Rockies' Todd Helton proud of staying with only one team
July 2
Denver Post
 
"The 2,000 games were one thing. What meant more to Todd Helton was the uniform he was wearing in them. Helton, who logged his 2,000th career game Thursday, is a member of a dying breed, a star in an era of free agency who has spent his entire career with one team. "The thing I'm most proud about is that it's all been here," Helton said. "It's kind of hard to put your head around. A lot of times driving to the ballfield, a lot of times I've had to put the game before my family. . . . I think about those things. But I'm very proud to say I played in 2,000 big-league games." Rockies manager Jim Tracy is touting Helton for comeback player of the year, and for good reason. He's hitting .308"
Helton proud of staying with only one team
July 1
Denver Post
 
"The 2,000 games were one thing. What meant more to Todd Helton was the uniform he was wearing in them. Helton, who logged his 2,000th career game Thursday, is a member of a dying breed, a star in an era of free agency who has spent his entire career with one team. "The thing I'm most proud about is that it's all been here," Helton said. "It's kind of hard to put your head around. A lot of times driving to the ballfield, a lot of times I've had to put the game before my family. . . . I think about those things. But I'm very proud to say I played in 2,000 big-league games." Rockies manager Jim Tracy is touting Helton for comeback player of the year, and for good reason. He's hitting .308"
Helton beaming with pride over 2,000th game in Rockies uniform
July 1
Denver Post
 
"It's just another day at the yard for Todd Helton. Well, except for the part about the writers asking him about playing in his 2,000 major league game. Helton will do just that in about an hour. If you know Helton, who prides himself on marching out there every day despite slumps, family issues or physical problems, you know what the number means to him. But what means more to him than anything else is that all 2,000 games have come in a Rockies uniform. He's a dying breed in an era of free agency: a star who spends his entire career with one team. "The thing I'm most proud about is that it's all been here,'' said Helton. "It's kind of hard to put your head around. A lot of times driving"
Tracy says Helton playing at All-Star level
June 11
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"Rockies manager Jim Tracy thinks Todd Helton's performance through the first 62 games of the season warrants a trip to Arizona next month. "He's playing himself, in my opinion, into strong consideration to be a 2011 All-Star," Tracy said. "It's really easy for me to suggest that." The numbers make it a fair suggestion, too. Helton entered Friday's action ranking in the top 10 in the National League with a .318 average (sixth), a .394 on-base percentage (eighth) and a .534 slugging percentage (seventh). Helton had reached base safely in nine of his last 10 plate appearances heading into Friday's game against the Dodgers, including a 4-for-4 performance in the Rockies' win, 5-3, over the"
Helton, Tulo lead Rockies to first road series win since April
June 9
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"Home » Colorado Rockies Game Report Helton, Tulo lead Rockies to first road series win since April June 8, 2011 | 8:12 pm | 13 By Steve Foster Aided by big days from Todd Helton and Troy Tulowitzki, the Colorado Rockies finished their West Coast swing with a 5-3 win against the San Diego Padres on Wednesday. The Rockies took two of three from the Padres, their first series win since sweep a two-game series at home against the San Francisco Giants on May 16-17, their first road series win since taking a two-game series from the Cubs in Chicago on April 25-26 and their first three-game series win since taking two of three from the Cubs at home April 15-17. On the nine-game road trip to Los"
Stiff back lands Helton on Rockies' bench
May 20
Denver Post
 
"Jim Tracy was talking a few minutes ago about Todd Helton's resurgence at the plate. "He's beyond being in a good place," said Tracy. "He's in a great place." Unfortunately, the place Helton finds himself tonight is the Rockies' bench. Helton's back felt stiff after Wednesday night's game, the result of a hard slide at second base. His condition isn't serious, but Tracy isn't taking any chances. Jason Giambi will start at first base against right-hander Joe Blanton. Giambi has struggled for most of the season, witness his .125 (3-for-24) average against right-handers. But Tracy is confident that the 40-year-old veteran is close to making his presence felt. "The swing he's looking for, it"
Derek Jeter can learn from Rockies' Todd Helton
May 8
Denver Post
 
"Hitting a baseball is the hardest thing to do in sports. That's been the theory advanced for decades. Peek at Yankee Stadium, and there's evidence of something more difficult - managing a fading superstar. Derek Jeter has forever been what's right with baseball. He's not just the captain of the Yankees, but the face of the game. The smile, however, is gone. He's a first-ballot Hall of Famer, his resume filled with gold-plated statistics. The only numbers that seem to matter these days are on his contract - he's owed $51 million through 2013 - and birth certificate. He's 36, aging in dog years this season. No one, other than Red Sox fans, wants to see Jeter suffer an inglorious, premature"
Helton back in swing of things
April 29
Denver Post
 
"Four years later, the greatest season in franchise history continues to pay dividends. When the Rockies were marching toward the World Series in 2007, Carney Lansford arrived from Triple-A and threw batting practice every day to Todd Helton. Those basic calisthenics, nothing but ordinary at the time, helped spawn a critical adjustment this spring. "I knew what his good swing looked like. What I remembered from that swing and what I saw of his swing last year shocked me," said Lansford, who is in his first year as the Rockies' hitting instructor. "When he arrived (in Scottsdale, Ariz.), we had to get to work right away." Helton, 37, knew something was wrong. He has put up numbers worthy of"
Is Todd Helton Going to Have An "Odd" Year?
April 27
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"We're 23 games in and the Rockies still have the best record in baseball at 16-7, attendance is up 16.6%, and a host of other encouraging factors have emerged. Colorado is winning on the road (10-3) and one run games (5-2) despite getting no wins in games started by Ubaldo Jimenez (0-3) -- that's because the Rockies have only suffered one loss in games started by Esmil Rogers, Greg Reynolds, and Alan Johnson (6-1). Yes, Carlos Gonzalez's slump is worrisome, Jose Lopez's bat seems to have disappeared, and Dave Gershman of Beyond the Boxscore seems to think that Jimenez may be the Rockies' worst pitcher (I know, right?), but I believe that I speak for all Rockies fans when I say that the"
Helton homers twice as Rockies top Cubs 4-3 in Chicago
April 27
Denver Post
 
"An old Todd Helton was the Todd Helton of old Tuesday night. Helton was miserable last season, heightening his determination to prove people wrong. Motivated by a challenge he has never faced — it's one thing for people to say you should hit lower in the order and another to have them scream for you to retire — Helton worked out with redline intensity over the winter. He decided if the end was near, he was going out swinging. He delivered a pair of vintage cuts Tuesday, his two home runs the fist to the face in the Rockies' 4-3 victory over the Cubs at Wrigley Field. "All those wondering about him," manager Jim Tracy said, "he's simply put all that to bed." The Rockies' 10-3 road mark ties"
Day by day, Helton remaining productive
April 22
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"Rockies first baseman Todd Helton had reason to be in a good mood on Sunday morning. His name was on the lineup card. He was doing some gentle stretching and feeling nothing bad. The sound system in the Coors Field home clubhouse was blaring "All I Need to Know" from his favorite country singer, Kenny Chesney. Then again, Helton also had reason to be grumpy. While his often troublesome back didn't feel bad, it didn't exactly loosen up during an earlier batting practice. And a couple of nights earlier, Helton swatted what he knew should have been a double, but his legs allowed him only a single. But as long as Helton's back will let him play, he is simply thankful. Certainly, the power that"
Helton's back problem not like last year's
April 12
Denver Post
 
"The similarities are chilling. But the differences are telling. Rockies first baseman Todd Helton is dealing with back pain. That sentence is usually followed by the mention of a magnetic resonance imaging test, or a trip to the disabled list. Helton hasn't reached that point because this is not the same injury that sabotaged him last June. Helton's back locked up on the right side Friday, an injury he traces to a hard slide at second base against the Pirates in Pittsburgh. Last season, his back ached on the left side, sapping his strength in his back and legs. "It's not the same thing. I still feel strong. That obviously wasn't the case last season," Helton said. Nonetheless, Helton"
Sign of relief: Helton feeling "a lot better"
April 11
Denver Post
 
"Barely a week into the season, Todd Helton was approaching worry mode with his troublesome lower back. But lo and behold, the veteran first baseman didn't get there Sunday morning. Helton said Saturday that he would begin worrying the next morning if the soreness in his lower back hadn't subsided. But he woke up feeling better, leaving him optimistic about a quick return to the Rockies' lineup. "I feel a lot better," Helton said. When asked if he were on a day-to-day basis, Helton said, "Absolutely." Helton hasn't played since Thursday's series opener against the Pirates. Said Helton, when asked if he had a target date for his return: "I don't know. Depends on how safe you want to play it."
Rockies' Helton could be headed home with bad back
April 10
Denver Post
 
"Here's how quickly Todd Helton's lower back problems can re-emerge: One minute, Helton was hitting fifth in the Rockies' lineup on Friday night, the next minute, he was in the trainer's room. "I was just out there running and I took a step and it locked up," Helton said. "I think we'll know more (today). I'm sore, more sore than I'd rather be, but I did the same thing in spring training and it took a couple of days. So, we'll see." If it were any other Rockie, this might be a minor issue. But it isn't. It's Helton, whose career has spiraled because of a balky back. How worried is he? "I'll be worried (today) if I don't feel some improvement," Helton said. "I'm not worried yet. I've just"
Helton, Tulowitzki homer as Rockies beat Dodgers 7-5 at Coors Field
April 7
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies swept their first series of the season. It means everything. It means nothing. The Rockies were terrible against the Dodgers last season, especially at Coors Field. So bullying them twice, including a hand-wringing 7-5 victory Wednesday, can't be dismissed. Only once have the Rockies finished ahead of Los Angeles in the standings, so even if this was more of a Swiffer Jet than brooming, it can't be dismissed. Or can it? "The Dodgers are a team people talk about us not being able to beat, so it's a good start," said outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, whose dominant defense in the ninth inning provided a safety net for Huston Street's latest high-wire act. "But it's just four games into"
Switch to Scottsdale put spring in Helton's step
March 31
Denver Post
 
"Todd Helton didn't enjoy the Rockies' new spring-training facility so much as he needed it. "It makes it really nice playing in a packed stadium," Helton said as the Rockies packed their bags for Tulsa. "It feels like a big-league game. There's an electricity in the air. When that happens, it really helps you get ready." For Helton, spring training 2011 wasn't just about getting ready for another season. It was about exorcising demons. It was about putting behind him, once and for all, the most difficult summer of his career. Helton's description of his 2010 season, when chronic back problems landed him on the disabled list for almost a month? "I was playing, but I wasn't really playing.""
Rockies hope less equals more with Helton
March 23
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"The old clubhouse at Hi Corbett Field in Tucson, where the Rockies used to conduct Spring Training, made it easy for Rockies veteran Todd Helton to keep to himself. The lockers formed a maze, and when you found Helton -- the big cheese first baseman -- he was close enough to the trainer's room to quietly slip away for privacy. Even with the state-of-the-art openness of the new headquarters at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Helton has prime real estate for privacy -- in the corner of the room, with an open door nearby. Only now, he doesn't have to deal with visitor overload. "It's been wonderful," Helton said. "I don't like attention. If I do have to talk, I'm talking about somebody"
Helton doesn't mind seeing others in the spotlight
March 23
Denver Post
 
"Reporters covering the Rockies call it the CarGo Shuffle. Every day, writers from media who don't normally cover the Rockies wear a path in front of Carlos Gonzalez's locker hoping to grab a few minutes with the Rockies' resident Triple Crown threat. If it isn't Gonzalez, it's Troy Tulowitzki, or Ubaldo Jimenez. They aren't just franchise players. They've become sound bites waiting to happen. Meanwhile, in another corner of the clubhouse, Todd Helton watches it all play out with more than a little smirk on his face. If somebody wants to talk to him, it's usually his hunting buddy, Rockies reliever Matt Belisle. "Absolutely," said Helton, when asked if he was enjoying his newfound"
Mapping out Helton's workload
March 22
Denver Post
 
"Less of Todd Helton will lead to more production. That is why Rockies manager Jim Tracy said Monday he's committed to a mapped-out schedule for the veteran first baseman. Tracy and Helton addressed the topic this spring, with Tracy stressing the importance of Helton sitting occasionally, even if he's playing well. "The plan is to play him sensibly as a starter. I can't get to the point where I know he's tired, but his mere presence will affect the lineup," Tracy said. "I can't think along those lines. When he needs a day, he's going to get a day." Creating a blueprint for Helton is easy. The Rockies have done as much for the past four years. Following it is the hard part. Through the first"
Helton back with an edge
February 17
Denver Post
 
"Todd Helton arrived in 1997 out of a Norman Rockwell painting. He had the smile, the Southern drawl and a swing straight out of central casting. For the better part of a decade, Helton was the Rockies. But the one thing you figured he might not be able to do better than everyone else was age. How could he? He never missed work, hit until his hands bled and dealt with pressure and demands foreign to nearly all of his teammates. At 37, the kid from Tennessee arrived at spring training a week early determined to reach the Rockies' top one more time. "I expect my worst day this year to be better than my best day last year," Helton said Wednesday as he sat in front his locker at Salt River"
Rockies' Todd Helton driven to keep playing at top level
January 22
Denver Post
 
"Determined to avenge the most disappointing season in his career, Todd Helton never considered retiring this winter. He said Friday he plans to play through the end of his contract in 2013, driven to finish his career on his own terms. "In an (upset) moment at the height of frustration last season, sure, I considered leaving. But I was never serious. I plan on leaving this game on a good note and finishing out my contract," Helton said. "I will go hunting and just be a dad at some point. But I can do that when I am 50. I only have a limited time where my body will allow me to play a game at the highest level. Where else can I do that? It's not like I am going to be bowling at the highest"
Todd Helton makes it clear that he's not retiring from Rockies
September 29
Denver Post
 
"When the Rockies play their last home game today, it won't be the final home game for first baseman Todd Helton. Putting to rest months of speculation, Helton said Tuesday he has no plans to call it quits after this season. "I am not retiring," Helton told The Denver Post. "The plan is to come back and play better next year." The Rockies held their organizational meetings Tuesday, discussing how pieces fit moving forward. There was no mention of Helton leaving. "It's been my understanding all along that he will be back," manager Jim Tracy said. Helton's back and leg problems in July prompted discussion that his health might preclude his return. But his body responded to rest. Still,"
Helton delivers four hits, including game-winner, in Colorado's 5-4 win over Atlanta
August 24
Denver Post
 
"It was just past 10 p.m. Monday, and signs of another whiplash-inducing reversal of fortune were everywhere. Outfielder Carlos Gonzalez was carrying second base, the one he swiped in the eighth inning to become the seventh card-carrying member of the Rockies' 20-home run, 20-stolen base club. Outside the clubhouse door, Todd Helton stood with his daughter in his arms and a grin on his face after collecting four hits. Just as they have done so many times this season, the Rockies won at Coors Field, a teeth-grinding 5-4 win over the Braves that was delivered by Helton's final hit and secured without drama by closer Huston Street. The win was fitting for the Rockies' season. They have been"
Time for Helton to hang 'em up
August 20
Denver Post
 columnist Mark Kiszla
"Baseball is played without a clock. But you don't need a watch to tell it's almost time for Todd Helton to go. The bat in his strong hands has betrayed him. This is destined to be the toughest goodbye in Rockies history. Deep in his heart, however, Helton must know: The greatest player ever to wear purple pinstripes needs to hang up his No. 17 Colorado uniform and retire. The truth has become so obvious, you can see Helton is done with your eyes closed. Why? The sound of the bat never lies. And the sound of the Helton's once-splendid bat connecting with a pitch is now a dull thud. Baseballs that once happily skipped to the outfield wall, launched from a beautiful swing by Helton, now go to"
Helton delivers first multihit game since June 24
August 5
Denver Post
 
"Todd Helton didn't turn any corners or rediscover any lost youth Wednesday, but he did have two hits, his first multihit game since June 24. If Helton is going to salvage some satisfaction from this season, now is the time. Whether or not he does it remains to be seen, but this much is certain: Having spent almost a month on the disabled list, fatigue won't be a factor. "I hope so," said Helton, when asked if the rest he received could be a silver lining. "I felt better (Wednesday) than I did (Tuesday), so that's a positive thing. I had some good swings and some bad ones, but I felt better." Those two hits won't lead to two more today. Rockies manager Jim Tracy said Helton wouldn't start"
Helton back in Rockies' lineup
August 4
Denver Post
 
"From Outback Steakhouse to the penthouse. Rockies first baseman Todd Helton spent three days in Casper on a rehab assignment, buying the team spread at Outback, before returning Tuesday to the Rockies. His legs stronger and back better, Helton was activated, hitting second in the lineup. "I had fun up there. They made me feel younger," Helton said of his stint with the short- season Ghosts. Helton remained unsure of his status when he arrived at the ballpark, and was less certain after Dexter Fowler avoided the disabled list. But the Rockies wanted Helton in the second spot in the order, so Jonathan Herrera was the tough-luck roster casualty. "I don't want to throw too much on his plate,""
DL likely for Fowler, Helton could be activated
August 2
Denver Post
 
"Even as the Rockies wait for MRI results, it likely won't change Dexter Fowler's fate. A source close to the outfielder said today that the disabled list remains likely after Fowler woke up sore today. Fowler hurt his left ribs and left hip crashing into the Coors Field wall in the ninth-inning Sunday against the Cubs. His leaping grab preserved the lead, but came at a cost. Fowler crashed awkwardly into the wall, writhing in pain. "Hey everyone, home laying down, Ribs are really sore," Fowler said on his Twitter account after the game. "Thanks for your prayers and support! Better be #1 on SC (SportsCenter)!""
Helton facing uncertain future with Rockies
August 1
Denver Post
 
"The imagery is unmistakable. August has arrived and Todd Helton, the greatest Rockie of them all, isn't playing to the huge crowds in LoDo. He's in a bordering state and a parallel universe away in Casper, trying to rediscover his youth in the Pioneer League, a place reserved for teenagers on their way up. But then, this isn't about imagery. Even in the 95-degree heat of summer, it's about cold, hard reality. It's about an aging veteran showing every sign of being at the end of the rainbow making one last-ditch attempt to dodge the wear and tear of time. And not just any veteran. "This is Todd Helton," Rockies infielder Clint Barmes said. "He's the face of this franchise. Everything I"
Rockies' Helton begins rehab assignment Friday in Casper
July 29
Denver Post
 
"After more than a week of strengthening his core and running on a treadmill, Todd Helton is on the road back to the active roster. The 36-year-old first baseman will begin a rehab assignment Friday with the short-season Casper Ghosts. The tentative plan calls for Helton to be a designated hitter Friday, play first base Saturday and DH again Sunday. Based on how he feels, Helton will either play Monday for the Ghosts or return to Denver to be re-evaluated. The Rockies begin a two-game series Tuesday with the wild-card leading Giants. "I will go out and get some at-bats and see how I feel," said Helton, who has started just four times since June 28 when his back and hamstring felt weak"
Helton, lacking strength, may sit until August
July 23
Denver Post
 
"Todd Helton didn't go to Asheville after all. After weighing his health and the advice of head trainer Keith Dugger, Helton decided early Thursday to return to Denver rather than begin a rehab assignment for the Single-A team. Helton will work on strengthening his legs for about the next week to 10 days. When his legs and back feel better, he will go on a rehab assignment. "There was no injury or anything like that," Dugger said. "You just can't do strengthening every day and baseball activity. He needs some more time, that's all." Dugger admitted he had no idea when Helton would return. It's a fluid situation, but the first baseman almost certainly won't be back until early August. Helton"
Helton's rehab plan scrapped because of weak legs
July 22
Denver Post
 
"Todd Helton is not going to Asheville, N.C. after all. The plan was for him to begin a rehab assignment there, but Helton is still dealing with weakness in his legs related to his back injury. So Helton returned to Denver to continue working out. When he feels stronger, there's still a chance he will go on a brief rehab — five to six at-bats as a designated hitter. "I think the best the way to describe is this: He still not feeling strong enough. It's a weakness, not pain," manager Jim Tracy said today. "It has everything to do with strength factor." Tracy continues to cite the schedule as an influencing factor in decisions regarding Helton, the face of the franchise for more than a"
Helton to get rehab done in Single-A stint
July 22
Denver Post
 
"By any measure, it's awkward. Todd Helton is the greatest player in franchise history, but he won't be activated until Saturday at the earliest and only then if he proves he can swing without issues on a brief rehab assignment in Single-A Asheville. "We are going to have him DH for a couple of games," manager Jim Tracy said. Brad Hawpe, a potential long-term solution at first base beginning next season, hasn't hit much either. Hawpe has three extra-base hits this month, and is on pace to finish with nine home runs. He has averaged 25 home runs over the previous four seasons. Tracy said he is seeing signs of progress absent of results. "We are going to need more production going forward,""
Helton's return to Rockies likely delayed until Saturday
July 21
Denver Post
 
"Todd Helton is a first baseman in waiting. His back and legs feel better, but manager Jim Tracy isn't inclined to activate Helton until Saturday given the run of power pitchers the Rockies will face over the next three days (Ricky Nolasco, Josh Johnson and Philadelphia's Roy Halladay). "You have to bear that in mind," Tracy said. "He hasn't seen pitching for a few weeks, and there's an easier way to introduce him to that at the major-league level than against these very special pitchers." Helton has started just three times since June 27. He knew he wasn't coming off the DL Tuesday but seemed surprised that a move might not occur until Saturday. "I have no idea what they are doing," he"
Tulo to start rehab; Helton baffled by BP
July 20
Denver Post
 
"One is needed for his production. The other, his presence. Both will be activated soon. The Rockies' plan calls for shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (broken left wrist) to return July 28, with first baseman Todd Helton (back and hamstring) likely activated Wednesday without a rehab assignment. Tulowitzki will begin a rehab assignment in Triple-A Colorado Springs, playing today and Wednesday for the Sky Sox, followed by nine-inning stints for Double-A Tulsa on Friday and Saturday, a pinch-hit appearance Sunday and activation Tuesday for the Pirates game at Coors Field. "I am excited that it's getting close. Things will fall into my lap during the games, and I will be able to test it out,""
Helton's return remains on hold
July 18
Denver Post
 
"You knew Brad Hawpe wasn't going to make his major-league debut at first base without catching some grief from his Rockies teammates. "Hey, Hawper," Todd Helton said. "You nervous?" "Nope." "Well, I'm nervous." Helton's humor was as dry as ever Saturday night. But there are serious issues involving him just over the horizon. Such as: Does he believe he will be ready to play Tuesday in Miami when he's eligible to be activated off the 15-day disabled list? "I have no idea," Helton said. "If I could hit, like, 14 home runs in that game, that would be good too. It would be good just to get back out there and play and hopefully help us win ballgames." Helton will take batting practice for the"
Helton's return still uncertain
July 16
Denver Post
 
"Todd Helton will join the Rockies on their upcoming road trip, but it is unlikely he will be activated off the disabled list Monday. His back and legs are feeling better, but he admitted that returning too soon would be counterproductive. "It would be one thing if I was raking before I went on the DL. But I was scuffling," Helton told The Denver Post. "I hope to be back on Monday, but only if I can help the team. I am not helping the team if I am 70 percent, struggle and go right back on the DL." Helton, who is hitting .246 with two home runs and 16 RBIs, received an epidural injection last weekend to relieve the pain in his back. He said the all-star break and a relaxing family vacation"
Helton, needing to be healthy to help, likely won't be back Monday
July 15
Denver Post
 
"Todd Helton will join the Rockies on their upcoming road trip, but it is unlikely he will be activated off the disabled list Monday. His back and legs are feeling better, but he admitted returning too soon would be counterproductive. "It would be one thing if I was raking before I went on the DL. But I was scuffling," Helton told The Denver Post today. "I hope to be back on Monday, but only if I can help the team. I am not helping the team if I am 70 percent, struggle and go right back on the DL." Helton, who is hitting .246 with two home runs and 16 RBIs, received an epidural injection last weekend, relieving the pain in his back. He said the all-star break and a relaxing family vacation"
Back troubles send Helton to 15-day DL
July 8
Denver Post
 
"His back still sore and his hamstring slightly pulled, first baseman Todd Helton landed on the disabled list Wednesday. Helton will receive an epidural injection to relieve the pain, followed by three days of minimal activity. Helton, 36, underwent back surgery in 2008, but he said the situations are not comparable. "It's not even close to that," Helton told The Denver Post. "But I don't want it to get that bad. That's why I am getting the shot now." The Rockies called up Brad Eldred, 29, to replace Helton and started him at first base Wednesday. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound, right-handed slugger had 22 home runs with 64 RBIs for the Sky Sox and earned the nicknamed "King Kong" in spring"
Back troubles send Helton to 15-day DL
July 8
Denver Post
 
"His back still sore and his hamstring slightly pulled, first baseman Todd Helton landed on the disabled list Wednesday. Helton will receive an epidural injection to relieve the pain, followed by three days of minimal activity. Helton, 36, underwent back surgery in 2008, but he said the situations are not comparable. "It's not even close to that," Helton told The Denver Post. "But I don't want it to get that bad. That's why I am getting the shot now." The Rockies called up Brad Eldred, 29, to replace Helton and started him at first base Wednesday. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound, right-handed slugger had 22 home runs with 64 RBIs for the Sky Sox and earned the nicknamed "King Kong" in spring"
Troublesome back has Helton on bench for another night
July 3
Denver Post
 
"Todd Helton admitted his back is sore and stiff, robbing him of strength in his legs. It has been bothering him to varying degrees since he took batting practice Monday in San Diego. "It feels about the same as it did (Monday). I am not concerned yet," said Helton, who has started just two games since Sunday. "I could wake up tomorrow and feel brand new." Melvin Mora was used as a defensive replacement in the eighth, an indication that Helton wasn't available. Matt Belisle recorded five outs in relief of Jhoulys Chacin. The reliever has allowed just one earned run in his last 11 2/3 innings."