That’s a low bar.
“If the Rockies have a first baseman hitting above the Helton line when Todd comes off the disabled list, what happens?”
Chuck, Greenwood Village
Kiz: How’s this for a wild-and-crazy idea? Go primarily with a platoon of Jason Giambi and Brad Eldred at first base. When he’s healthy, Helton can get two starts a week and come off the bench as a defensive replacement. Sure, it might not be feasible with a 25-man roster. But come September, when the Rockies can have a longer bench, who knows?
Not so fast.
“Here’s my thought for the Helton dilemma. Clint Barmes is a solid shortstop. Jonathan Herrera has done a great job at second base, both offensively and defensively. With Troy Tulowitzki’s great arm, why not move him to third base when he comes off the disabled list? Move Ian Stewart to first base. I don’t know how popular the idea would be with Tulo or the fans, but it seems like Alex Rodriguez and Chipper Jones handled the move to third base well.”
Steve, Winter Park
Kiz: One of these years, Tulo will be a third baseman. But here’s a guess that year will be 2016, not 2010.
Extension makes no sense.
“Kiz, I think you are too kind to Helton and Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd. Hasn’t Helton been on the decline the last three years? Hasn’t his batting average, on-base percentage and production with runners in scoring position dropped to the major-league average or below? If manager Jim Tracy kept Helton in the lineup out of respect, I truly don’t understand why he wasn’t batting eighth. O’Dowd and Colorado scouts have drafted and developed talent very well, except at first base. The Rockies simply went with Helton three years too long. I don’t understand why they signed him to an extension.”
Paul, Centennial
Kiz: That extension might mean Helton owns a piece of the Rockies before John Elway owns a major chunk of the Broncos.
Trample job.
“Are you on a mission to annoy the entire city of Denver this summer, Mark? I get up, make coffee and unfurl my sports page. The needle skips across my pleasant ritual at the sight of your weasel face, your weasel words and your weasel thought process. After three walkoff wins and months of injuries that have been stemmed by the depth of the local baseball franchise, you suggest the Rockies need to trade for a first baseman. You continue with your “goodbye, Todd” campaign. Hello?! We know the poor guy is on his last leg and it’s quite unpleasant to watch. You trampling on his professional grave doesn’t make it any more entertaining.”
Brian, area code 307
Kiz: C’mon, now. Weasels are far too cute to be compared to me. Watching Helton suffer at the plate is unpleasant for all of us. It doesn’t mean a team serious about the playoffs can ignore the situation.
Elvis falls short.
“Elvis Dumervil is not worth a $65 million deal. I like the guy and really hope the Broncos can keep him, but let’s look at the facts. He is not a great linebacker, although he is a great pass-rusher. For the money Dumervil reportedly seeks, I would want a linebacker with the qualities of Ray Lewis or Randy Gradishar. A great linebacker should be a run-stuffer, have pass-coverage skills and be able to rush the quarterback.”
David, Elizabeth
Kiz: Money does not grow on trees at Dove Valley. So if the Broncos must decide between making the 26-year-old Dumervil happy or ensuring that 32-year-old Champ Bailey finishes his career in Denver, who stays and who goes? You know what they say: It’s a young man’s game.
Tebow conundrum.
“I’ve watched Tim Tebow for years and he is something special. But the funny thing is: None of us in Florida expect him to seriously compete for the starting job, as some in Colorado do. He can help the team like he helped the Florida Gators in 2006, but that’s it for now.”
Chuck, Ocala, Fla.
Kiz: The fewer games the Broncos win, the more snaps Tebow will take as rookie. So do Tebow fans root for Denver to be 6-10? Not if they’re Broncos fans.
Straight outta Seinfeld
And today’s parting shot is a reminder that King LeBron James not only ticked off his hometown back in Ohio by moving to South Beach, the King of Narcissism also angered New York, the city so loud they named it twice.
“Bob Bertrand (of The Original SoupMan) offered James free soup for life if the basketball star moved to New York. Now that he’s in Miami, sorry, LeBron. No soup for you!”
Carly, New York
