Helton maintains the same intensity level that made him one of the most respected players in the majors.
A healthy Helton is one of the most feared players in the game. This spring, he came to camp healthy as he tries to rebound from the worst season of his 14-year career.
Spring Training Opener
Under a beautiful Arizona sky at the Rockies' new facilities in Scottsdale, he's getting himself ready for a new beginning. Colorado opens Cactus League play on Saturday, February 26, 2011 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, who share Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.
Helton averaged 10 home runs and just over 50 RBIs over his last three years. He averaged 27.5 home runs and 99 RBIs over his first 11 years, which includes an abbreviated visit to the majors in his first year in the big leagues. He hasn't stolen a base in five years and he lacks the range that made him a three-time Gold Glove winner.
Helton still has that sweet swing that helped him become a four-time Silver Slugger and five-time All-Star.
A Leader On and Off the Diamond
Even if he never gets another hit or drives in another run for the Colorado Rockies, he would remain one of the franchise's most accomplished players.
"I have as much respect for him as any player I have ever managed," Rockies' manager Jim Tracy said a few days before the spring opener. "A player of his stature and the success he's had over the course of his career, yet he's a guy who, every day when he walks into the clubhouse, wants to be part of it and make a contribution."
So far, Helton says, everything is advancing smoothly.
"I still swing as hard as I can just in case I hit it," Helton said. "We all have expectations and mine is to play as hard as I can and be the best hitter I can be."
Taking Care of Baseball Business
Helton, who turns 38 this season and has three years remaining on his current contract, is more conscious of things that will help keep him healthy.
"I do a lot of things differently and sleep is one of them," he said. "I'm continuing the same workouts and everything is good so far."
Of the 14 seasons he has played for the Rockies, he has hit under .300 three times, and all three were in shortened seasons. The more at bats he gets and the more pitchers he sees, the better his performance.
"I'm concerned with my own approach first and then go from there," said the former Tennessee quarterback, who tossed a football around with some teammates after a recent workout. "I want to get more at bats to where I feel I've seen enough pitches and am ready to go."
Most Valuable Player
Helton struck out 90 times in 398 at bats last season, his most since striking out 91 times in 553 at bats during the 2002 season.
Still, his leadership makes him a vital part of Colorado's plans this season. The Rockies are hopeful they can unseat the World Champion San Francisco Giants in the National League West Division.
"He's a visible guy in the clubhouse and in the organization," Tracy said. He leads by example and the way he goes about business. He's there for you every day."
Rick Eymer - I have written for The San Mateo Times, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat and am currently working part-time as an assistant sports editor at ...
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