MARYVALE, Ariz. — Todd Helton is the Rockies. That much is certain. Todd Helton is a Hall of Famer. That is matter of conjecture.
The Rockies believe he will end up in Cooperstown, which provided some motivation for his two- year, $9.9 million contract extension last week. There are two layers to this debate — the statistical and intangible.
Based on numbers alone, Helton is a longshot. He has accumulated 2,143 hits and clubbed 325 home runs. It’s hard to see him getting a Hall pass without 2,500 hits and 400 home runs, particularly given the power historically associated with the first base position.
He easily has 367 more hits in him. But 75 home runs? Not so much. For some voters that will spoil his candidacy. That would be a shame, if not shortsighted.
To understand Helton requires a broader prism. For one, he passes the eye test. Every Hall of Famer needs a 10-year span of excellence. From 2000-09, Helton was among the best fielders at his position, winning three Gold Gloves and turning scoops and aggressive throws on bunts into an art form. He also ranked third in batting average (.332), second in on-base percentage and first in doubles.
Even more impressively, only Barry Bonds and Bobby Abreu walked more.
“He is a pitcher’s worst nightmare with runners on,” Rockies first baseman Jason Giambi said. “You could throw a pitch behind his back and he’d find a way to foul it off.”
It has been one of the most fascinating dynamics of Helton’s career. Even as he morphed from a slugger to a hitter, the respect never changed. Two of the greatest pitchers of the past 10 years list Helton as their toughest out: Curt Schilling and Tim Lincecum.
“I have to battle. I am not good enough to do it any other way,” Helton said last Friday.
Love or loathe Schilling, he was arguably the greatest clutch pitcher of his generation. So his praise of Helton should resonate.
Lincecum is only the first pitcher ever to win two Cy Young Awards in his first three seasons. He was asked on ESPN Radio last week which batter he would erase from a lineup if allowed.
“I have always had trouble with Helton. He kind of owns me,” said Lincecum of Helton, who is 9-for- 19 with two homers off the righty. “I think last year was the first time I got him to swing and miss at a pitch. That was a pretty big moment for me.”
Helton will be discounted for his work at Coors Field. He will be slighted if he doesn’t win a World Series ring. But respect from peers should be the swing vote into the Hall of Fame.
Footnotes.
Dodgers catcher Russell Martin reported to camp 20 pounds heavier and promptly pulled his groin, meaning he’ll start the season on the disabled list. Did he learn nothing from Jeff Francoeur’s failed Mr. Universe act two years ago? . . . Braves outfielder Jason Heyward is generating buzz across Florida with his light-tower power. Hard to see the game’s top prospect not starting on the opening-day roster. . . . Stephen Strasburg has better stuff than any Nationals pitcher. But Washington would be foolish not to let him work the first month in the minor leagues to adjust to pitching on four days’ rest. . . . With Brandon Webb likely headed to the DL, Ian Kennedy is earmarked for the Diamondbacks’ third rotation spot. He and Ian Stewart starred on the same high school team together.
