Todd Helton’s back came back to haunt him.
The Rockies star revealed this week he hurt his back late in spring training and it lingered all of last season. He refused to blame a difficult season on the injury, but acknowledged its impact.
“I would never use it as an excuse. But I didn’t have as violent of a swing,” Helton said. “Yeah, (the pain) bothered me.”
Since the middle of the 2002 season, Helton, one of the game’s most durable players, has taken precautions when lifting weights as a concession to a back problem. He said the injury occurred while doing leg squats.
“About a half-dozen times a season, we have conversations about his back,” Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said. “As long as we know it’s not going to be detrimental for him to be out there, the onus is on him. But he wants to play. He’s a one of a kind.”
Helton’s admission provides a better explanation for his statistical nose dive. He finished with career lows in home runs (20) and RBIs (79) and failed to hit .300 in the first three months of the season. Until last season, he had never hit less than .300 in consecutive months.
“I think the first half of the season everybody kind of noticed,” Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday said. “He wouldn’t say anything, but he wasn’t himself.”
Admittedly energized by the club’s offseason additions, Helton remains encouraged by his current workouts.
“I want to get stronger with more power,” Helton said. “I am excited about this year. I don’t care want anybody says, I believe we have a chance.”
Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-820-5447 or trenck@denverpost.com.
