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.
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.
The British Columbia native had to temper his reaction after Sidney Crosby’s winning goal against the United States.
Since spring training began, Colorado Rockies manager Jim Tracy has stressed the importance of players paying attention to details in every drill. Friday, before the first full squad workout, he made that point again in his speech to the team.
Reliever Manuel Corpas threw his bullpen session as scheduled and said the right hamstring he tweaked in a fielding drill Saturday gave him “no problem.”
Jeff Francis, who is expected to return to the Colorado Rockies starting rotation this season after missing all of 2009, says he’s healthy and pitching completely without pain.
Five starting pitchers accounted for 155 of the Colorado Rockies’ 162 starts in 2009, unheard of stability for a franchise whose pitching staff at times has been one of baseball’s most tired jokes. The Rockies likely will see one change in their starting rotation in 2010, and that to welcome back an old friend.
Rockies can monitor the progress and rehabilitation of injured players, most of them minor leaguers.
Second baseman admits ball was on the ground and Rockies caught a huge break
Aaron Cook wants extra bullpen session as a tuneup for Friday start.
Jason Marquis has been all the Rockies could have hoped for so far.