According to Troy Renck at the Denver Post, Todd Helton has signed a two year, $9.9 million extension through 2013 that would also defer $13.1 million over ten years, giving the team financial flexibility and the face of the franchise some job security close to home as he approaches retirement.
The impact on the payroll would be to save $8.5 million in 2011 (as Renck states, Helton was set to make $19.1 million but will instead make $10.6) and give the Rockies a relatively affordable first baseman for the subsequent two seasons. The deferred money will effect the operating budget for the following ten years, but the added flexibility during seasons which the Rockies should remain in contention should be worth that price.