http://0rz.tw/mbuoL Spring countdown discussion: First base By Steve Foster First base has been by far the most stable position in Colorado Rockies history — the franchise has had just two regular first basemen in 17 seasons. While no change at the position is likely this year or even next, the Rockies should be beginning to wonder what will happen beyond 2011. 開場白：一壘是洛磯隊史上最穩定的一個位置了。 Who’s starting: Todd Helton returns to the position he has held since replacing Andres Galarraga to start the 1998 season. Helton bounced back from a terrible, injury-plagued season in 2008 when played just 83 games. His numbers in 2009 (.325, 15 HRs, 86 RBI) were nearly identical to those in 2007 (.320, 17, 91). But Helton received MVP votes in 2009 for the first time since the 2004 season. What changed? The Rockies offense has matured around Helton. With Troy Tulowitzki, Brad Hawpe (despite his second-half slump), Carlos Gonzalez and Ian Stewart beginning to emerge, the pressure for Helton to carry the offense has ebbed. Helton’s power is no longer what it once was, but he’s still doubles machine. His batting average and on-base percentage remain strong and he is the Rockies’ smartest, most experienced hitter. More importantly for the next couple years, the Rockies have found a way to surround him with talented players despite his large salary being a drag on the payroll. 誰是先發：自1998年來，大叔就接替大貓的位置至今。在一個傷病纏身、失望透頂 　　　　　的2008年球季之後，大叔在2009年球季打出了2007差不多的成績，不同 　　　　　的是，他在去年球季拿到了年度MVP的選票，上次拿到MVP選票要回溯到 2004年了。在 Tulo、CarGo、Hawpe、Stewart 百家爭鳴的年代，即使 Helton 的長打能力不若以往，他仍是個二壘打製造機，而且打擊率和 　　　　　上壘率仍然維持著高水準。 Who’s backing up: Jason Giambi returns to the Rockies after a strong September during which he was used primarily as a pinch-hitter but also to give Helton a weekly breather. Expect more rest for Helton this season as the Rockies try to find regular at-bats for its strong collection of bench players. 誰是板凳：去年九月加盟的大吉成為洛磯最主要的代打者，而然在 Helton 喊累的 　　　　　新球季中，預計他會有比較多的上場空間。 Who’s in the picture: Early in the offseason, there was talk of Brad Hawpe getting some work at his original position to spread out work to the Rockies’ glut of outfielders. With the return of Giambi, Hawpe’s time at first base will be limited if the team decides to follow through on the plan. However, without a first base prospect near the top of the system, Hawpe could be the Rockies’ next option in case of injury. Paul LoDuca also provides some insurance. 還有誰守一壘：Brad Hawpe 在去年球季結束後被提及有空要回去守他的老位置， 　　　　　　　除此之外，Paul LoDuca 也是一位不錯的一壘替補人選。 Who’s in the future: After years of solid prospects like Hawpe, Garrett Atkins, Ryan Shealy and Joe Koshansky running into the Helton roadblock and having to find either new positions or new homes, the well seems to have finally run dry. Marginal prospects like Christian Colonel, Jeff Kindel and Jeffrey Cunningham have underwhelmed at advanced levels. Kiel Roling, a sixth-round pick in 2008, had a big year in hitter-friendly Asheville. Ben Paulsen, a third-round pick in 2009, got off to a flat start in Tri-City but has promise. Jared Clark, a 12th-rounder last season, had a great season as a 23-year-old in Casper. Helton’s contract is nearing its end, but no one in the system is ready to push him out the door. 有哪些新秀：由於洛磯一壘長期被大叔佔著，Hawpe、Atkins等人被迫守備其他位 　　　　　　置，而 Ryan Shealy、Joe Koshansky 等人則只好轉隊，小聯盟一壘 　　　　　　位置的新秀如 Colonel、Kindel、Cunningham 等人都搬不上檯面... Discuss: First base is pretty straightforward again this season, so there's no real point debating who should be playing. But what happens next at first base is an interesting question. Helton will earn $16.6 million in 2010 and $19.1 million in 2011, the last year of his contract. Assuming the Rockies do not pick up his $23 million option in 2012, the team has a decision to make. So, what should the Rockies do beyond 2011? Try to re-sign Helton, albeit at a lower salary, and hope he ends his career where he began it? Try to hang on to Brad Hawpe, who will be a free agent after 2011 if the Rockies pick up his $10 million option after this season, and turn first base over to him? Look for a bargain, someone who will produce something along the lines of .275, 25 home runs and 90 RBI, but at half the price (someone along the lines of Adam LaRoche) and use the savings to lock up other young players? Something else? 討論：2010球季在一壘這個位置是沒有什麼討論空間的，但在明年之後洛磯要面臨 　　　一個訣擇，是否在大叔的合約跑完後用比較便宜的價格繼續和他續約？還是 　　　將一壘這個位置乾脆就給 Brad Hawpe 來守，還是趁這兩年找個新秀來守一 　　　壘以節省開支？ --

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