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.
Hawpe to play Thursday, Giambi on Friday and Helton on Sunday
Todd Helton returned to the Colorado Rockies clubhouse and will work out after illness kept him away Saturday. Brad Hawpe is likely to make his Cactus League debut Wednesday.
Brad Hawpe admits he hit a wall in the second half of last season. A phone call in September with former Rockies outfielder Scott Podsednik led to some changes in the offseason that Hawpe believes will avoid a similar loss of energy in 2010.
Reliever Rafael Betancourt, who didn’t feel he was ready to pitch in a game Thursday as scheduled, threw batting practice Tuesday with good results while Brad Hawpe took swings in batting practice for the first time this spring.
To talk about any outfield position for the Colorado Rockies is to talk about all outfield positions. The Rockies have three clear starters, but a deep bench of outfielders who can play multiple positions will mean plenty of mixing and matching to create the best possible matchups this season.
The Colorado Rockies decided about 10 years ago to build around their slugging first baseman. Now, while the team is no longer built around a single player, Troy Tulowitzki anchors the middle of the lineup and the middle of the diamond, making shortstop the one position where the Rockies have no questions.
First base has been by far the most stable position in Colorado Rockies history — the franchise has had just two regular first basemen in 17 seasons. While no change at the position is likely this year or even next, the Rockies should be beginning to wonder what will happen beyond 2011.
He’s slotted seventh between two right-handed bats in Rockies lineup for Game 4
Lineup for Game 3 also includes Atkins at third base, Spilborghs in right field
First-inning stumble again keeps Marquis from winning career-high 16th game as Rockies finish regular season with 92-70 record