Todd Helton will finish his career where it began. The Colorado Rockies and the first baseman, who ranks first in franchise history in most offensive categories, have agreed to a two-year, $9.9 million contract extension that covers 2012 and 2013.

Brad Hawpe is hitting cleanup and making his spring debut today. And Melvin Mora will make his second consecutive start at second base today.

Ubaldo Jimenez was expecting to get the Opening Day assignment for the Rockies, which he did Wednesday. The surprise came when Aaron Cook was in Jim Tracy’s office when the manager told Jimenez he would oppose the Brewers on April 5 in Milwaukee.

After missing the 2009 season, Jeff Francis has to again acclimate himself to the speed of a game, something that can’t be duplicated in bullpen sessions. That was a problem in Francis’ first spring outing but not Wednesday.

Rockies Reliever Rafael Betancourt long-tossed out to 110 feet and threw fastballs and changeups on flat ground as he continues his recovery from right shoulder inflammation. A bullpen session Friday is possible.

Hawpe to play Thursday, Giambi on Friday and Helton on Sunday

If you are a fan of the annual Colorado Rockies promotional commercials — Brian Fuentes saving a cat from a tree, the Dinger-Ryan Spilborghs staring contest, Ubaldo’s Hair Be There promotion within a promotion — you can get a preview of the 2010 set on Wednesday.

Colorado Rockies closer Huston Street will rest for two days and throw live batting practice Friday after coming through a 20-pitch bullpen session Tuesday without any problems.

Ubaldo Jimenez and Greg Smith will see the primary pitching duty for the Colorado Rockies against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Glendale, Ariz.

Closer Huston Street is scheduled to throw a 25-pitch bullpen Tuesday, one that will be more intense than Sunday when he took another step forward.

Andrew Johnston made his Cactus League debut Saturday. It lasted all of four pitches and resulted in a save after two ground balls, a weak fly to right field and handshakes all around.

When Hector Gomez steps in the batting cage, Colorado Rockies hitting coach Don Baylor says, “Let me hear it.” The reason being Gomez has such quick hands and generates far more bat speed than most players. And that’s evident from the wonderfully loud sound when he squares up a ball on the barrel.