Happy birthday, Todd Helton! You turned 35 today, and all you got was still being on the DL. Kind of sucks, doesn't it? All right, I guess you'll get a bit more than just a continued stay on the DL for his birthday. You also received a comparison to Don Mattingly.
Also in that link:
Outfielder Ryan Spilborghs, out since July 9 with a strained left oblique muscle, will begin a rehab assignment Wednesday in Triple-A Colorado Springs. Spilborghs has been able to swing without pain. He's likely to be recalled in September when rosters expand. "Hopefully I go down there and go 5-for-5 in my first game and show I am ready," Spilborghs said with a smile. With Willy Taveras' future next season uncertain, Spilborghs should get plenty of playing time next month even if Olympian Dexter Fowler gets a likely audition.
Who hasn't missed Spilly?
Ian Stewart, who would have played college ball for USC had he not signed with the Rockies, went to a USC football practice on Monday. Seth Smith accompanied him. Now let's work on getting Seth Smith (and the other Rockies) a championship ring since the guy he backed up already has a one in another sport.
Two different focal points in the recaps from last night's game: the emerging Ian Stewart and the red-hot Brad Hawpe. Either way, it all amounts to a Rockies victory.