Todd Helton on the Mend; Garrett Atkins Getting Ready at Third Base

The Denver Post is reporting that Garrett Atkins has been preparing to play third base this season. 

The reason this is news, since Atkins has been the Rockies opening day third baseman for the last three years, is because it means that Todd Helton is healing and on his way to recovery from back surgery.

Helton went on the disabled list at the beginning of July with lower back problems.  Reports show that he was dealing with a lower disc problem that was contributing the numbness in his left leg.

Early in the season, Helton's swing was noticeably different, and his lack of power, while down in recent years, was especially lacking.  Many suspected that there may be some medical issues.

Helton is a fierce competitor, and was determined to play through the issues, but finally gave in when the pain was too much to deal with. 

Helton, who owns a career .328 batting average, hit only .264 with seven home runs and 29 RBI in 299 at bats.  Those types of numbers were sure signs that Helton was not feeling himself.

Helton attempted to rehab the issue, coming back in September for two pinch hit at bats, finally succumbed and went to a specialist in Los Angeles.  The specialist suggested surgery, which the Rockies and Helton agreed was necessary.

The Rockies '09 lineup has been hard to analyze due to Helton's rehab.  If healthy, Helton could return to form and largely replace the offense lost in the Matt Holliday trade. 

With Ian Stewart doing well in his second call up, and Atkins making a smooth transition to first base, many wondered what the team would do with Stewart if Helton returned healthy.

With the trade of Holliday to the Oakland A's, the natural thought is that with a healthy Helton at first base, Atkins can move back to third, and Stewart can begin the transition from third base to left field.

Atkins, Stewart and Helton, along with Brad Hawpe in the middle of the lineup would still shake out as the most feared lineup in the National League West. 

Without Helton, there would be a void in the lineup that the Rockies would be asking one of their younger players to step in and fill, something that may not spell success for the team.