Helton Finally Makes It.
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by Dannygrz
11 Seasons 1578 Games 5663 At Bats .332 Career batting average, 303 Home Runs and 1087 RBIs. There's no doubt that Todd Helton has been one of baseball's best over the course of his career and he has the numbers to back it up. He's made 5 All-Star games (starting three of them) and has gotten as high as fifth in the NL MVP vote. However through all the success he has known, one thing has been missing in his decorated career, winning. Before this year Helton had only contributed to one winning season, when the Rockies went 82-80 in 2000. That is why this last month's unexpected run into the playoffs (20-8, including 14-1 over their last 15) must feel especially sweet to Helton.
Helton's career has been one rich with accomplishments and records (he's the only player in Major League history to have back-to-back 100 extra-base hit seasons.) along with a lot of praise. His career has tailed off a bit in the last few years (his 17 home runs and 91 RBIs this year are a far cry from his career high of 49 and 147.) and dismissals of his lofty total of previous years as creations of Coors Field and steroids. However his amazing batting average has stayed on its fantastic rate and his OBP numbers are favorably comparable to his highest totals. Helton is by no means done.
Helton has endured through numerous trade rumors in the last few years (most notably to the Red Sox) and criticism for his sharp decline and 9-year 141.5 Million Dollar contract. However his recent struggles (along with the fact that he plays in Colorado) have caused him to fall out of the public eye which has softened the criticism on him substantially. However the amazing charge by his team has propelled him and many of his teammates into the spotlight. Of all of them Helton has seemed the most at home, and is looking to Help lead his Rockies along with MVP candidate Matt Holliday and productive third baseman Garrett Atkins through a run in the playoffs. Frankly its about time.
