January 4, 2009 The Rocky Mountain News reports that Todd Helton (back) is taking his time in his rehab. "The one thing we don’t want to have is any setbacks, so that’s why we’re taking it slow," he said. "I’m shooting to get ready for the season, not for spring training. That’s my goal.”
Our View:Helton hit .264 last season, which was the first time in 10 seasons that he hit below .300. He appeared in only 83 games, and his role next season is anything but certain. The Rockies have a number of young infield prospects that may be ready to take some of Helton's at-bats even when he is healthy.
November 16, 2008 Todd Helton is making progress following back surgery, but he is a long time away from baseball activities, according to the Denver Post.
Our View:Helton is a risky option for fantasy owners due to his back problems, and the Rockies have a viable backup plan in Joe Koshansky.
September 30, 2008 Todd Helton's arthroscopic back surgery on Tuesday for a bulging disk was deemed a success, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View:Helton will do nothing for two weeks before embarking on a rehab program that should have him ready to play at the start of the 2009 season. Helton has three years and $56.9 million left on his massive contract, and the Rockies have little choice but to hope that he is able to rebound from a lost season, his worst ever (.264-7-29 in 299 AB).
September 24, 2008 Todd Helton will undergo back surgery to eliminate pain in his back and will be out for the remainder of the season, according to the Denver Post.
Our View:Helton has said that the surgery should not force him to miss any time of spring training and will be ready to go in 2009.
September 22, 2008 Todd Helton indicated that he doesn't expect to play again this season, according to the Denver Post. He said, "There's no way I could play a game right now."
Our View:Helton will visit back specialist Robert Watkins on Wednesday in Southern California after a month-long stretching program failed to yield favorable results. He is hopeful the specialist can pinpoint what is causing his pain and find the best method for him to get better.
