Cincinnati – The Rockies, in so many ways, revolve around Todd Helton. He’s the best player, the most recognizable face.
So with cleanup hitter Preston Wilson and opening-day starter Joe Kennedy gone and former all-star Shawn Chacon likely next, the most frequently asked question by Rockies fans is simple: What does Todd think?
Helton provided candid answers before Saturday’s game, leaving his desire to win unquestioned.
“Trades happen this time of year. It’s a business. But we saved $2 million, right? I just hope that is used on a player next season,” Helton said. “That remains to be seen.”
Helton never has been critical of the team’s first youth movement. He remains encouraged by the progress of the rookies, but admitted putting money back into the on-field product was important to him.
“I would hope our (goal) is to get better,” Helton said. “It should be. I mean, it better be.”
Starting next season, the suffocating contracts paid to Larry Walker, Charles Johnson, Denny Neagle and Wilson will be released from the books. Owners Charlie and Dick Monfort have said they will spend money to bolster the bullpen and sign or acquire a catcher.
The Rockies have not revealed next year’s payroll since it is a fluid figure based on revenue over the final three months. If it comes in, as expected, at around $45 million, there will be wiggle room, but not much.
The team has $21 million committed to Helton and starter Jason Jennings, meaning frugality will play a large role in filling out the final 23 spots, many of which will be occupied by the young players already on the Rockies.
“These young players are proving themselves,” Charlie Monfort said recently. “There are a lot of teams in baseball that would like to have our young players and fan support. The teams in the division are going to have to outspend us in two years to beat us.”
Chacon doesn’t sweat rumors
Chacon isn’t spending his summer in wonderland, fretting about being traded. The Yankees are slowly fading as an option because of their reluctance to part with Triple-A pitcher Sean Henn and Saturday’s acquisition of Al Leiter. They only need a spot starter for Wednesday, believing Carl Pavano will be back soon. The Rangers, Padres and Devil Rays also have interest.
“It’s baseball. It’s what happens,” Chacon said. “I don’t want to go, but it’s out of my control.”
Jennings has been more affected by Chacon’s potential exit than the right-hander. The two are close friends, and Chacon and Helton are the only teammates remaining from when Jennings arrived in the big leagues in 2001.
“It’s harder when it’s people you have gotten to know,” Jennings said. “But it’s been a circus this time of year ever since I have been here.”
Footnotes
Aaron Cook struggled in his first Triple-A rehab assignment Friday, lasting just three innings. “It was a mixed bag, but his velocity was OK and he was fine physically,” manager Clint Hurdle said. … After his strong five-inning start Thursday for Colorado Springs, Jose Acevedo could be added to the bullpen as soon as Monday.
