Helton won’t take the lead.
With the lack of production from the leadoff spot along with the clutch hitting of Ryan Spilborghs, what about starting Spilborghs in center field and hitting Todd Helton leadoff? Helton’s no speed demon, but he sees a lot of pitches and has a high OBP. And his power numbers and average with RISP are down.
Micah, Longmont
Troy E. Renck: Helton’s position in the lineup has become a hot topic. He was mired in a 9-for-49 slump going into Tuesday’s game and just completed a 3-for-19 homestand. Hurdle has never judged Helton on his power but rather his ability to score and drive in runs. He’s not doing either right now, so he could benefit from a switch.
Moving him to second is a possibility, giving him even better pitches to hit with Matt Holliday behind him. As a temporary fix, Hurdle could simply flip-flop Brad Hawpe and Helton, shifting Helton to sixth. It’s not a permanent solution since Hawpe has yet to prove he can consistently hit left-handers.
Regarding Spilborghs, he was working himself into the leadoff mix before Willy Taveras went nuclear after being threatened to land on the bench. Taveras has batted .342 over his last 10 games with 10 runs entering the Kansas City series. He’s not going anywhere right now, particularly given the speed he’s infusing in the lineup. He leads the league in stolen bases (35).
Wrong place, wrong time.
Why the revolving door at second base? How about giving someone a chance to see groundballs, double plays and at-bats for a month? It all started by pulling the plug too early on Jayson Nix.
Bert, Bailey
Troy: Nix picked the wrong year to have a bad month. If he had broken in with Todd and the Toddlers back in 2005, he likely would still be playing second base. He became the victim of an underachieving lineup.
The solution should appear this week: Clint Barmes can hit second and play second. And Jeff Baker, the Rockies’ hottest hitter, can DH. Barmes was the Rockies’ best offensive player before he injured his knee six weeks ago. Baker has made a strong statement offensively that he deserves at-bats.
Fuentes’ worth rising.
With rumors of a Brian Fuentes trade, what could the Rockies get that would be as valuable? I’m worried the Rockies will lose him, not get much, and Manuel Corpas won’t be ready to close.
Jhan, Stillwater, Okla.
Troy: For now, the Rockies are telling teams there is no yard sale at 20th and Blake Street. Colorado is firmly in contention in the NL West. It’s not so much a race as five teams sinking in quicksand gasping for their final breaths.
The Mets, Yankees and Red Sox have interest in Fuentes. If the Rockies make him available at the deadline, he could net them a premium young starting pitcher. In talking to GM Dan O’Dowd, he’s looking more for quality than quantity in deals.
Manuel Corpas is not next in line to close if Fuentes is dealt. At this point, Taylor Buchholz deserves a look. He’s been one of the NL’s best setup men this season.
Hangover? What hangover?
Everyone is up in arms because the Rockies are struggling. Why hasn’t much been said about the World Series hangover that many teams have? Is there any truth to the hangover?
Jose, Denver
Troy: Pitchers can definitely experience a lull the following season based on reaching career highs in innings pitched. I think the heavy workload has played into Jeff Francis’ difficult start. But I have asked Francis repeatedly, and he insists that it’s not an issue.
Healthy fashionistas.
Why are some major-leaguers wearing a bulky plastic necklace this season?
Chip, Boulder
Troy: If you’re actually the mascot for CU, I am going to feel silly for answering in a serious manner. Those necklaces have been around since 2005, made by Phiten. They contain titanium and, in short, are supposed to make the body feel better. I have worn one for years; seems to work. Still, I am a sportswriter, so beyond my fingers, where am I supposed to ache? But I can guarantee players wear it more for superstition than medicinal purposes.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
