Helton’s demise?
“Hey, Mark, make up your mind. I thought you wanted Rockies first baseman Todd Helton to hit seventh in the lineup, not second in the batting order. You’re worse than manager Jim Tracy. But you are right about Helton losing it. Perhaps he shouldn’t even be playing regularly. The Rox should never have given him that contract extension. He has been soft the last three years.”
Robert, Los Angeles
Kiz: Despite the fact Helton has almost as many zeroes in his 2010 salary as oh-fers at the plate this season, give the man a little credit. By deferring money in his new deal, Helton actually allowed the Rockies an opportunity to be more active in acquiring players (pitcher Roy Oswalt, anyone?). But here’s a scary statistic that must have Helton sick to his stomach: At his current rate of pay and rate of production, the Rockies are spending in excess of $400,000 for every RBI by their veteran leader.
Park egos outside.
“You play to win and not coddle anyone, Helton included. I do not care where he likes to hit in the order to soothe his ego. A platoon with Jason Giambi is in order. Let them hit eighth.”
Brian, Lone Tree
Kiz: For two left-handed sluggers once known for putting a real hurt on the baseball, if Helton and Giambi start looking any more over the hill against right-handed pitching, they will get lifetime discounts at every Furr’s Cafeteria in the USA.
An OBP warrior.
“I have a suggestion for you, Mark. Look at Helton’s OBP (that’s on-base percentage, in case you are confused), and stay in the room when Helton and Dexter Fowler are playing defense. Who are you to tell Tracy anything? Hey, if it’s so easy to manage a team reeling from injuries, why don’t you do it, big guy? Because sports journalism is obviously not your calling.”
Sandi, Denver
Kiz: OK, let’s look it up. Helton woke up Saturday with a .368 on-base percentage. Read the stat and weep. His OBP is as close to DOA as it has ever been since way back when Helton was a rookie breaking into the major leagues.
Missing in action.
“Ducks die on the pond with Clint Barmes batting. He kills the Rockies. Too many strikeouts.”
Curt, Denver
Kiz: It’s just a hunch, but here’s guessing general manager Dan O’Dowd is not quite as infatuated with Barmes as Tracy seems to be. Let’s hope that doesn’t cause friction between the front office and the dugout.
The Bear truth.
“M.K.: Thanks for beginning to tell the truth about the Rockies and dispensing with the all-too-often, starry-eyed, all-will- be-well tone of your colleagues. The real question is: Why? Why does a team, which seems on paper to be a solid group, fail to execute? What’s missing? I often look to the coaching, and not only the manager in charge. It’s a complex matter. It’s why wars are won or lost, why survivors survive and victims become victims in the wild. No one ever really delves into the personalities of men and the problems they have beyond the ballpark, problems that must affect the game. Some things are taboo. Too bad. It would make an interesting book.”
Clifford, Aspen
Kiz: So, if I catch your drift, the Rockies are so far lost in the wilderness they couldn’t find first place in the National League West with a GPS. Maybe Colorado should hire Bear Grylls as the third-base coach to show these players the way home.
Back off Tebow.
“Egg on your face is all you have left when the Broncos hopefully ban you from Dove Valley. The team will rebound under new quarterback Tim Tebow, despite your best efforts to destroy that idea. By the way, when did you ever strap on football pads? At what level? Thought so.”
Conan, Littleton
Kiz: Well, I once missed a free throw during a promotional contest at a college basketball game. Does that count?
Tiger’s life now one big divot
And today’s parting shot is a loud “fore!” for a golfer who didn’t realize until too late that the fire hydrant he hit was also an out-of- bounds marker.
“Tiger Woods is in huge turmoil with his life and his golf. As Tiger retreats into his security cave, this time it is different. No family. No comforting wife. Next to fall will be loyal sponsors, which are going to demand he starts playing in more tournaments, not just the majors. His playing ability will never return to the level it once was, due to personal turmoil he created. After years of watching Woods’ arrogance toward fans, it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy, as the saying goes.”
John, Highlands Ranch
