Todd Helton

[Webgem]

Todd Helton-1B-Rockies Jan. 27 - 1:53 pm et


A source told the Boston Herald that the Rockies are driving the Todd Helton talks with the Red Sox and that Boston isn't particularly motivated to make a deal.
That makes sense. If the Rockies were willing to pay half of the $90 million that Helton is owed and take back a package similar to what the Phillies got for Bobby Abreu last summer, then the Red Sox could jump. It doesn't make much sense to give up top prospects for an expensive first baseman on the decline. Even if Helton can bounce back a bit in 2007, it figures that he'll be an average regular at best in the final two years of his deal, which runs through 2011.
Source: Boston Herald
Related: Red Sox

Doesn't Helton have a no-trade clause and he would have to ok a trade.

I heard yesterday on MLB Homeplate that he wants to finish his career in Colorado.

[scuba]

Yeah, gem, he has a full no-trade clause, but he's said he would accept a deal to the Red Sox. It's looking right now like they are offering Lowell, Tavarez, and a prospect or two. Depending on the prospects, I would do this deal if I were the Red Sox. Helton has declined the last couple years, but he's still better than Lowell. Plus, any way you can get rid of Tavarez in my opinion is good. :D

[DLee25]

that would be an awesome lineup, but they have no pen.

[ChinMusic22]

Deal's dead, via Rotoworld:
While the Red Sox reportedly were willing to take on $53.5 million of the $90.1 million owed to Todd Helton, they wouldn't give up a top prospect, killing trade talks on Monday.

The Rockies were insisting on receiving Jacoby Ellsbury, Craig Hansen or Manny Delcarmen along with Mike Lowell and Julian Tavarez, but the Red Sox weren't going to include a quality youngster without receiving substantially more salary relief. No new talks between the two sides are anticipated. However, one source with knowledge of the negotiations told the Boston Globe that it would not be surprising to see them rekindled in spring training.

I think Helton is on a serious decline, and I'd be interested to see what his nubmers would be outside of coors for a full season. He only batted .266 on the road last year.