The Rockies arrived home with manager Clint Hurdle expounding on why Todd Helton took the fifth.
Demoting Helton was a decision Hurdle mulled for 10 days before shifting him from the third spot in the lineup. It was done in the best interests of the team, explained Hurdle, and the best for Helton.
As part of the switch, Hurdle said he told Helton to reassess his goals for this season, which began with talk by the first baseman of reclaiming his banner days of 2001, when he was the last Rockie to eclipse 40 home runs.
“We have had that conversation. Even with Larry (Walker) at a point in time, I told him, ‘Do the best you can with what you have and you can still have a huge impact,”‘ Hurdle said. “Todd just needs to carry his load and take one at-bat at a time.”
By all accounts, Helton has handled the situation well. He was pleasant in the clubhouse Monday and his teammates don’t sense panic from a superstar player who is on pace for a career-low 18 home runs and 79 RBIs.
“If he was concerned, I would be concerned. But I don’t see him fretting,” reliever Mike DeJean said. “Of course he wants to do better. But maybe it’s a blessing in disguise because as a pitcher, the last person you want to face is an (upset) Helton.”
For now, the Rockies continue to put a brave face on Helton’s season. General manager Dan O’Dowd said Helton “is harder on himself than anyone. He knows we need him to get going.”
Miles away from Denver
Standing 5-feet-6, Aaron Miles knows all about numbers that don’t mesh with the big leagues. So when he opened spring training with long odds to start for the Cardinals – he was in an open competition with Junior Spivey and Hector Luna – Miles didn’t fret.
“I knew I could play the game,” said Miles, traded by the Rockies along with outfielder Larry Bigbie for reliever Ray King. “I just keep playing hard and hope the manager writes my name into the lineup.”
Miles, who starts against right- handers, is hitting .263 and has walked 23 times, 15 more than all of last season. He left Colorado in his rearview mirror.
“This has been an unbelievable experience, playing on this caliber of a team. I am happy for the Rockies. They have a lot of good players,” Miles said. “But I am definitely happy with where I am now.”
Bombers remembered
The Rockies have had discussions for several years about honoring the Blake Street Bombers – Walker, Dante Bichette, Andres Galarraga, Ellis Burks and Vinny Castilla – and a potential ceremony crept closer last week when the Padres released Castilla. If Castilla retires, the conversations about the event will accelerate, according to a team spokesman. Castilla has said on several occasions that he would be interested in working for the Rockies after his playing career was over.
Footnote
Center fielder Choo Freeman has bought more playing time, according to Hurdle. Freeman and Cory Sullivan will be used according to favorable pitching matchups.
Rockies recap
To understand why Todd Helton is hitting fifth watch where Garrett Atkins is hitting the ball. Atkins, a former UCLA star, smoked a changeup from Anthony Reyes, an erstwhile USC star, 447 feet into the left-field bleachers in the first inning Monday. The home run was Atkins’ 14th, establishing a career high with 64 games remaining.
SCOUTING AROUND: The Rockies were among a handful of teams continuing to scout Baltimore starter Rodrigo Lopez. Baltimore likes Rockies first baseman Ryan Shealy.
KING SITS, WAITS: The Reds have had interest in Ray King, and recently placed left-hander Kent Mercker on the disabled list. The Rockies didn’t pursue a deal for Reds catcher Jason LaRue because they don’t want to block prospect Chris Iannetta’s path. A straight-up exchange for Boston’s Rudy Seanez remains a possibility. Talks regarding Julian Tavarez cooled dramatically over the weekend because of the Rockies’ concerns regarding the money left on his contract.
RX FILES: Catcher Danny Ardoin (hand) will play seven innings tonight for Triple-A Colorado Springs.
