Todd

Helton

Beltré and Mauer earned induction into the hallowed halls of Cooperstown on their very first year on the ballot — garnering 95.1 percent and 76.1 percent of the vote respectively. It was a much longer road for Todd Helton, who finally eclipsed the 75% threshold (with 79.7 percent) in his sixth season on the ballot. Billy Wagner fell just five votes short of induction — finishing with 73.8 percent of the vote in his ninth season of eligibility. He should be able to nose it over the finish line in his final year on the ballot. Gary Sheffield was unable to do so in his final year of eligibility, finishing at 63.9 percent. Andruw Jones saw his total slightly rise from 58.1 percent to 61.6 percent in his seventh year on the ballot. Carlos Beltran was the only other player with over 50 percent of the vote — getting 57.1 percent in his second year on the ballot.

Helton, who has averaged 157 games played per season since becoming a regular in 1998, still has problems at times, but his back troubles aren’t worthy worrying about. ''I am always going to have to deal with back issues,’' Helton said. ''I swing as hard as I can all the time, and it’s not like I am a limber guy to begin with.’'

Helton has only four extra-base hits since April 25, and hasn’t homered in a career-high 86 at-bats. He plans to spend time today in the batting cage.

Helton has a no-trade clause, but he said he’d willing to consider moving on. Still, since he’s owed $130.9 million over the next eight seasons, it’s extremely unlikely that he’ll be moved. Wilson, who is due $21.5 million over the next two years, is more likely to go. Perhaps the Yankees, Mets, Angels and Dodgers will be interested.

''I wouldn’t say that the bus is comfortable. It’s not like a Cadillac. I had to do my physical therapy (today),’' Helton said. His back didn’t limit Helton yesterday, as he doubled twice in three at-bats against the Mariners.

Helton is batting only .275 this month (11-for-40) with four home runs. “I am not swinging the bat well. I don’t really want to get into why,” Helton said. “I am trying not to think about it.” He will be back in the lineup today, so no need to worry if you own him in a fantasy league.

If Helton had not responded positively to a full workout yesterday, he would have been placed on the DL. ''If I am not in there [today], I am quitting,’' said Helton, tongue in cheek. So are his owners.

The Rockies would like to bring back Aaron Miles from Triple-A Colorado Springs, where he is hitting .429 since being sent down, but if Helton goes on the DL it could be Garrett Atkins or Andy Tracy getting the call instead. The team should know more about Helton’s status later today.

Helton is currently hitting a lowly .179 with runners in scoring position, after posting a .414 average last season in the same situations and boasting a career .361 batting average with ducks on the pond. “I pretty much stink,” Helton said after yesterday’s game, being a little bit hard on himself. His poor clutch hitting explains his 19 RBI this season, despite a 1020 OPS. Despite his claims, Helton far from stinks and will come around soon, so don’t despair.

''I am not going to swing as hard. That’s been a problem this season,’' said Helton, who is hitting .320 with only seven homers. ''I will swing at 70 to 80 percent.’'