First priority for Helton is improved play

Trade rumors don't bother Helton as he gets ready for 2007

Tracy Ringolsby, Rocky Mountain News

Published December 7, 2006 at midnight

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Last month, the Boston Red Sox made inquiries with the Rockies about first baseman Todd Helton's availability in a possible Manny Ramirez deal. With the sudden rise in salaries on the current free-agent market, though, the Red Sox turned attention elsewhere, convinced Ramirez could be dealt without Boston assuming a major chunk of salary.

This week, during the annual baseball winter meetings, the Los Angeles Angels checked in with the Rockies about a possible deal for Helton, looking to add a proven first baseman without having to tear up their pitching staff.

Angels officials, though, said Wednesday the $91.1 million remaining on Helton's contract, combined with his reduction in production the past two seasons and concerns about a back problem that developed two years ago and intestinal problems that sidelined Helton in 2006, kept them from pushing ahead in conversations.

Neither conversation, though, advanced far enough for the Rockies to see any reason to contact Helton to discuss whether he would approve a trade to either team.

"I do hear that kind of stuff from different people, but (the Rockies) have to come talk to me before anything goes down, and nobody has done that," Helton said. "I'm sure the thought has crossed (the Rockies') mind a few times, but it's no big deal to me. I'm not going to worry about stuff like that."

Helton understands that in the Rockies' payroll structure, he is an anomaly. He accounts for roughly 30 percent of the salary budget. As a result, his name surfaces in trade speculation, which he has learned to ignore.

"My concern is getting myself ready for next season," he said. "I want to be a good player, not just for myself but for the team. I play baseball because I love to play the game, and I expect myself to play well every day."

Helton has not met his own expectations, much less those of others, the past couple of years. He was placed on the disabled list each of the past two seasons, the only two times that has happened in his nine full major league seasons, and as a result his run production totals dropped to 20 home runs and 79 RBI in 2005, then 15 home runs and 81 RBI last year, the two lowest totals in both categories in his career.

While Helton, a career .333 hitter, is now 33, he is intent on proving that age is not a hindrance, which is a concern that Angels ownership expressed when the idea of a trade for Helton was broached.

He has begun a heavy-duty conditioning program, although unlike the past two offseasons, he has declined to work out at Coors Field. He said with the daily winter workouts the past two years, he felt that special luster of a big league ballpark diminished.

"It became a part of the routine," he said of going to Coors Field. "Every spring, you want to walk into the clubhouse and have that special feeling, that the season is about to begin and there's an excitement, not that it's the same place you go every day of the year. Hopefully, mentally this will help."

Most of all, though, Helton wants to physically be ready to play. He laughs at the idea that at his age, he is suddenly battling to gain weight. "I can't even get fat when I want to," he said.

More than fat, he wants the bulk that creates "strength and explosiveness."

LEFT ON: Left-handed reliever Tom Martin, an invited player to camp who resurrected his career with the Rockies last season, has agreed to a one-year contract, pending a physical. Martin will receive a base salary of about $800,000, according to industry sources.

Martin, 36, who sat out the final half of the 2005 season, appeared in 68 games for the Rockies in 2006. He gives the Rockies a third left-hander in the bullpen to go with closer Brian Fuentes and setup man Jeremy Affeldt.

MAYBE: The Rockies are hopeful of adding another Mexican pitcher to their roster today. Having finalized a deal to purchase left-hander Oscar Ramirez from the Yucatan Leones, the Rockies hope to select right-hander Joakim Soria, 22, from the San Diego Padres for $50,000 in the winter draft today.

The Rockies, though, have the eighth selection, which leaves their chances of landing Soria in doubt. Soria, a reliever with the Mexico City Reds in the summer, is starting with Obregon this winter and leads the Mexican Pacific League with an 8-0 record, 2.02 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 62 innings.

Rumor mill

Overheard in the lobby of the Dolphin Hotel, where baseball is conducting its annual winter meetings:

• Free agent Barry Bonds made what was described as a surprise appearance at the winter meetings, but it was interesting that his entrance to the host hotel was captured by a wire service photographer and ESPN cameras. The Giants are considered the only team interested in Bonds, but they are offering $10 million. Bonds is seeking to not only get the same salary as last season - $18 million - but a vesting option for 2008. His agent claims two other teams have interest, but no teams admit to being interested. Bonds has 734 home runs, 21 short of the all-time record held by Hank Aaron.

• Cubs general manager Jim Hendry finalized a four-year, $40 million deal with free-agent pitcher Ted Lilly while undergoing an electrocardiogram in the emergency room of a local hospital. Hendry was rushed to the hospital because he was not feeling well.

ringolsbyt@RockyMountainNews.com

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