Philadelphia – When the Rockies committed to a full-blown youth movement in September, ‘s future became a chilling subject.
Helton can’t stand losing, leaving many to wonder if he could stomach rebuilding. For the Rockies to consider trading Helton, however, he would have to ask out, a frustration level he hasn’t approached.
“If it gets to that point, you’ll be the first to know,’ Helton said Wednesday.
Actually, general manager Dan O’Dowd expects to receive the initial call. O’Dowd said he talks with Helton about a variety of subjects, though he declined to say whether he discussed the Baltimore Orioles’ interest in the all-star first baseman.
“If Todd ever gets (upset) and wants to talk about (trades), I believe we have a good enough relationship that he would talk to me about it first,’ O’Dowd said.
The reality of dealing Helton requires peeling away multiple layers. He would have to waive his complete no-trade clause, the owners would have to sign off on any deal – there are strong indications they wouldn’t – and there would have to be a suitor willing to absorb the bulk of the $119 million remaining on his contract.
Manager Clint Hurdle said he doesn’t devote any energy to trade speculation, calling “everything rumors and innuendo until Dan sits down and has a conversation with Todd.’
While disappointed with his own performance, Helton remains encouraged by the Rockies’ kids, talking glowingly about the likes of , and Chin-Hui Tsao.
“I think Todd knows if we can get our bullpen straightened out, we can be competitive,’ O’Dowd said.
Part-time translation
Byung-Hyun Kim will no longer have a personal translator, with the club electing to provide aid only during home games with a student from the University of Denver. Daniel Kim, a friend of the pitcher’s, had accompanied the right-hander since his spring-training trade to the Rockies.
“We believe he understands enough to where a full-time person is not necessary,’ O’Dowd said.
While Daniel Kim helped facilitate conversations with teammates, the pitcher’s communication with pitching coach Bob Apodaca will determine whether additional help is needed.
“If he has trouble, a problem could possibly surface,’ Apodaca said. “So far there have only been a few times where I had to get Daniel.’
Footnotes
Kim received his World Series ring from the Red Sox on Tuesday. “The one in Arizona had a big A, this one has a B and Colorado could make C,’ Kim told his translator. … Third baseman Jeff Baker, expected to be optioned out when returns, is throwing long toss and taking flyballs on days he doesn’t start in preparation for part-time outfield work in the minor leagues. … The Rockies have asked Triple-A reliever Jay Witasick to remain in the organization, even though he has the right to opt out of his contract. … Outfielder ‘s suspension for violating the league’s drug policy ended and he’ll rejoin the Triple-A team today.
