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O'Dowd: Helton rumors not true

Tracy Ringolsby, Rocky Mountain News

Published December 23, 2006 at midnight

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Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd on Friday denied a story in the Los Angeles Times that quoted major league sources saying the Rockies have renewed talks with the Los Angeles Angels about a Todd Helton trade, a deal that was discussed briefly at the annual winter meetings.

"There is absolutely nothing there," O'Dowd said. "I haven't talked to (general manager) Bill Stoneman or anyone with the Angels since the winter meetings. I have no idea who came up with that story."

In addition to $91.1 million in guaranteed money still remaining on the final five years of his contract, Helton has a complete no-trade clause, and he has shown no interest in playing for a West Coast team. Angels owner Arte Moreno ordered the Angels to back out of trade talks concerning Helton because he said he was concerned about Helton's age (33), recent health issues and declining power.

ADDRESSING NEEDS: The Rockies are continuing to look for a veteran catcher to provide protection for concerns about shoulder problems of Yorvit Torrealba and have opened talks with the agents for Javier Lopez and Sal Fasano.

The team also is looking to add more pitching depth. A source close to the situation indicated that, in addition to having talks with reliever Chris Reitsma and starter Brian Lawrence, the Rockies also have discussed a possible trade with Baltimore for starter Rodrigo Lopez.