This would be a biggie

[Frayed Knot]

It's no secret that the forever rebuilding Rockies would like to get out from under Todd Helton's contract - they've even said so publicly and may be willing to pay around half his remaining money to make it happen.
Boston has been a rumored destination - possibly because it now seems mandatory to mention them as a possibility for all deals.
Now Helton's not the player he used to be - most notably his power is absent - but could still be a bargain at half the price.

Now NYDN's Bill Madden is saying that Helton to BoSox may be closer to reality than previously thought.
"The essence of the trade is in place," says a source. "But they're haggling over Boston prospects." ... which, admittedly, is still a big tripping point.

BUT, if it does happen, it would give to Sox one helluvan 'OBP' run in the top/middle of their order (in whatever order you want to put them). 2006 figures:
Manny = .439 (best in MLB)
Ortiz = .413
Youkilis = .381
Drew = .393
Helton = .409
(all top 30 in MLB)

Fuckin Wow!

[nymr83]

I'd hardly consider Drew a lock to repeat that number, but Helton is a great hitter and Fenway has always been good to lefties.

[Guest Edgy DC]

I get the impression that the Yankees aren't wed to Andy Phillips and Doug Mientkiewicz either.

[Frayed Knot]

Nymr83 wrote: I'd hardly consider Drew a lock to repeat that number ...

Drew career OBPs:
.340
.401
.414
.349
.374
.436
.412
.393

Rough avg ~ .390

Say what you want about Drew's injuries, attitude, 'toughness', or whatever, but he gets on base and can be a terrific offensive force when he's on.

[Guest vtmet]

Nothing wrong with Drew's OBP, but his IGP (in game percentage) is a little lacking for his contract...an OFer that averages 118 games over his career? That number is even a little low for catchers, let alone a corner OFer...Looks like Drew's injuries are similar to Bret Saberhagen's success prior to being a Met (Hag's was dominant in odd years, awful in even years)...On even years, Drew has played no less than 135 games...On odd years, Drew has played no more than 109 games (104 in '99; 109 in '01; 100 in '03; 72 in '05)...hate to let the Sox fans down, but it's an odd year coming up...

[Guest vtmet]

so if they get Helton, what position do they move Youkilis to? I thought he did a pretty solid job at 1st base last season...but he has also played 2B, 3B and the OF in the past 2 seasons...

[nymr83]

Youkilis was originally a 3B

[Guest vtmet]

Don't they still have Lowell at 3B?

[Guest Edgy DC]

I wouldn't make too much of the injured-in-odd-years pattern.

[Guest OlerudOwned]

="vtmet"]Don't they still have Lowell at 3B?

From the things I've heard, Lowell would be a part of the deal.

This would leave Utilityman/El Chupacabra Jamey Carroll free to jump in at 2nd, Short, or wherever else a hole may open.



�Disp�relo!

[Frayed Knot]

... talks with Boston have ended and "there will be no further discussions."

Not real clear if this one ever was close to happening.
But if it once was, it now isn't.

[metirish]

Well that's that...

[Guest Edgy DC]

The Washington Post says that the O's were also offered a Helton deal, but pulled out when the salary wouldn't go any lower.

If the Rocks keep shopping him, I'm thinking that maybe the Braves are a match (maybe even with Schuerholz bringing a third team in again, like the last time he took a huge contract off of Colorado's hands). Last I checked, they had a platoon of Scott Thorman and Craig Wilson at first.

[metirish]

Maybe Cashman will take a look at him,they would seem to have the prospects to get him....

[Guest Edgy DC]

Thing is, I would kind of like the Yankees to get him, as their prospects are more important to them sustaining what they've done.

The Braves may just be a Helton a way from returning to the fight.

[Guest iramets]

Edgy DC wrote: The Braves may just be a Helton a way from returning to the fight.

Yeah, but would they take on an obscene contact from the Rockies [cough--Mike Hampton] is the question?

[Guest cleonjones11]

Helton's an old 33. I think he's washed up . Heck Hojo was finished by then...