The sports editor of my local paper, The Daily Times-Call (Longmont, CO) , seems to think the Rockies are forever doomed because of the Todd Helton situation:  Keeping Helton will haunt Rox

Since Ian Stewart took over at third base and Atkins moved to first, the Rockies are 7-1 and they’ve scored 8.0 runs per game. Stewart and Atkins have hit a combined .379 with two homers and 23 RBIs in that time.

Enjoy it now, because when Helton returns — either this year or next spring — he’ll be in the lineup. The question is, who else will be?

First, I don't think the potential trade with Boston 18 months ago was that close to becoming a reality, particularly from the RedSox end.   I definitely don't think Helton will be rushed back into the starting lineup if and when he returns this season.  Management will play it very cautiously, while at the same time relishing the production for the stretch run of the new Stewart at third--Atkins at first combo.   

Regarding the Daily Times-Call,  the Longmont paper is where Rockies beat writer Troy Renck got started.  Patrick Saunders was also a former sports editor there..  I met Troy in the late 1990s in Longmont while he was covering a high school girls cross-country meet of all things.   Man has he come a long way since, and I thnk Troy does an excellent job.  I'm now seeing him in the bigtime reporting in video spots on ESPN and FOX.