We have witnessed the power of the beard.  Whether it is Jake Plummer in 2005 or Todd Helton in 2007, a player who grows some ridiculous facial hair has a great season.

But the power is shortlived.  Plummer stumbled and never recovered in 2006 and found himself benched.  Todd had an outstanding season last year but has not been able to find his stroke in 2008.

Perhaps it is time to lose the beard.  Call it a sacrifice to the baseball gods.

Note:  I am not saying that Todd Helton is Jake Plummer and should be run out of town on a rail in favor of a young hotshot.  The comparison begins and ends at the chin.