RMN - Rehab Trying, Boring, but Helton Enduring

Jack Etkin writes about the progress of Helton's slow rehab program and includes some of the Toddfather's thoughts on the offseason direction of the Rockies and what went wrong in 2008.

about 3 years ago Rox Girl 7 comments 0 recs |

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Makes a lot of sense that...

we’re holding onto Garrett Atkins, then. I hope Todd can come back for a last hurrah.

by Since1993 on Jan 4, 2009 12:31 PM MST reply actions

Exactly

Garrett at 1B to open the season and maybe a lot longer. IMO Todd opens on IR.

by pedalpusher on Jan 6, 2009 9:48 PM MST up reply actions

Poor guy

"It’s killed a good hunting season; there’s no doubt about that," said Helton, smiling.

by onholliday on Jan 5, 2009 12:07 PM MST reply actions

No swings huh?

As for when Helton might begin to hit, he isn’t aware of a timetable. The process is what matters, strengthening his legs, so vital when it comes to maintaining a healthy back.

Reminds me of the time a buddy and I rebuilt a carburator to give his truck more power. We spent all summer on the carb, and installed it only to find out the fuel pump was dead. We won’t really know how Helton’s back is until it’s too late. What a financial drain on the organization. No wonder the Rocks were leery of signing Holliday to a similar contract.

Keepin' warm by the hot stove season.

by Charlie77 on Jan 5, 2009 5:00 PM MST reply actions

Sad to say...

I but I really do see Todd winding up like Mattingly. Back injuries can be very difficult to overcome if you’re over the age of 30. I certainly hope he can get back close to normal, but history shows that it’s rare.

Please get better, Todd. We need you healthy in the lineup!

It's now 2009.......oh crap.

by The Lodo Magic Man on Jan 5, 2009 7:30 PM MST reply actions

Mattingly never underwent surgery to alleviate the problem

I’m hoping this is a case where medical advances have left this issue less career threatening than it’s been in the past.

by Rox Girl on Jan 5, 2009 8:02 PM MST up reply actions

I for one

am optimistic about the success of the surgery. Back surgeries are certainly worrisome, but his arthroscopic surgery was not exactly invasive. I believe his leg numbness will be completely gone (at least for a few years) and most of the back pain from that disc should be alleviated. That of course does not prevent his “fuel pump” from dying, or guarantee regaining all strength, however. But he should be in a better position than he has been in 2007 and 2008 at least.

by Andrew T. Fisher on Jan 6, 2009 11:22 AM MST up reply actions