Bruce Levine Reports on Todd Helton

[HoopsCubs]

Heard this on ESPN Radio AM 1000 at 11:20 AM CST.

 

Bruce is in SoCal at the GM meetings. He has just reported that the White Sox have had preliminary discussions with the Rockies about Todd Helton.

 

Nothing is imminent at all, but Bruce did say that while many will think this is an obvious leverage ploy to get Paul Konerko and his agent in quicker, the White Sox have always longed for a lefty power bat, and Helton fits the mold both offensively and defensively.

 

The White Sox would probably trade El Duque or Jon Garland, Aaron Rowand and a pitching prospect. It is doubtful that Colorado would pick up any significant cash on Helton's contract for those players in return.

 

Things are heating up...

 

Meanwhile, Bruce did confirm that Hendry and Beinfest have had preliminary discussions on a Pierre/Patterson deal, which could involve a third team.

 

Hoops

[USSoccer]

I said this in another Pierre thread, but if all we give up for Pierre is Corey and maybe one of the bulk arms, I'd do it.

[rawaction]

Good deal for the Sox. Bad deal for Garland's fantasy value.

[frostwyrm]

Can Helton play the outfield? I noticed he started 14 games in the OF in 1997.

[TheDude]

Rowand could definately help Colorado.

[USSoccer]

Good deal for the Sox. Bad deal for Garland's fantasy value.

 

I think it would be a great deal for the Sox. It opens up a spot for McCarthy, and Helton would be a much better offensive threat in that lineup

[rawaction]

Can Helton play the outfield? I noticed he started 14 games in the OF in 1997.

 

Probably not anymore. Doesn't have the athletic ability he used to have. I assume you are asking for the Cubs sake. Because every other team in baseball would keep him at 1B, because he's better than any other 1B in the league defensively.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Awesome move for a guy like Rowand. I wouldn't be surprised to see a 30-35 HR season if he moved.

 

El Duque would probably retire, and Jon Garland will show his mortality (and then some) once again.

[Andy]

Good deal for both teams. Rowand could hit 30 homers in Colorado, the Rockies probably couldn't afford Helton going into his next contract anyway, and the Sox end up paying less to Helton than they would for Konerko for similar production.

[TrueBlueCubFan]

Good deal for both teams. Rowand could hit 30 homers in Colorado, the Rockies probably couldn't afford Helton going into his next contract anyway, and the Sox end up paying less to Helton than they would for Konerko for similar production.

Colorado is not what it use to be. They do something to the balls to deaden them a little ( I can't remember the name of the device used). FYI, The Cell is very much a hitters park, I wouldn't expect Rowands numbers to increase that much.

[fromthestretch]

Good deal for both teams. Rowand could hit 30 homers in Colorado, the Rockies probably couldn't afford Helton going into his next contract anyway, and the Sox end up paying less to Helton than they would for Konerko for similar production.

Colorado is not what it use to be. They do something to the balls to deaden them a little ( I can't remember the name of the device used). FYI, The Cell is very much a hitters park, I wouldn't expect Rowands numbers to increase that much.

 

Don't they keep the baseballs in a humidor? I could have sworn I read that.

[TrueBlueCubFan]

Good deal for both teams. Rowand could hit 30 homers in Colorado, the Rockies probably couldn't afford Helton going into his next contract anyway, and the Sox end up paying less to Helton than they would for Konerko for similar production.

Colorado is not what it use to be. They do something to the balls to deaden them a little ( I can't remember the name of the device used). FYI, The Cell is very much a hitters park, I wouldn't expect Rowands numbers to increase that much.

 

Don't they keep the baseballs in a humidifier? I could have sworn I read that.

 

Maybe that's what they call it.

[fromthestretch]

Good deal for both teams. Rowand could hit 30 homers in Colorado, the Rockies probably couldn't afford Helton going into his next contract anyway, and the Sox end up paying less to Helton than they would for Konerko for similar production.

Colorado is not what it use to be. They do something to the balls to deaden them a little ( I can't remember the name of the device used). FYI, The Cell is very much a hitters park, I wouldn't expect Rowands numbers to increase that much.

 

Don't they keep the baseballs in a humidifier? I could have sworn I read that.

 

Maybe that's what they call it.

 

Meant to say humidor. Same principle. But I believe that's how they deaden them a bit.

[jiml60]

Yes, it is a humidor. http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_3016185

[YearofDaCubs]

Yes, it is a humidor. http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_3016185

Wow, that's crazy. I didn't even know that.