Todd Helton: Hall of Famer

 

So this is Adam's take on Todd Helton's Hall of Fame case, but what do you think?  Let us know by leaving a comment below, and then answering the poll at the top of the blog. 

No player from the Colorado Rockies has ever been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, but Todd Helton certainly has the strongest case yet. Helton’s numbers speak for themselves and they speak volumes to the great professional that he was throughout his 17 year career in Colorado. With career numbers such as .316 batting average, .414 on-base percentage, .539 slugging percentage, and a .996 fielding percentage along with three Gold Gloves, five straight All-Star appearances, and a batting title, Helton seems to be a clear cut choice for the Hall of Fame.

The main knock against Todd Helton for the Hall of Fame is that he has played his entire career at Coors Field and the friendly hitting confines that come with it. This argument shows a small amount of merit after a full analysis of averages and other statistics. Todd's away numbers come in at .291 batting average, .392 on-base percentage, and .481 slugging percentage. These numbers are not to be overlooked. They prove that he was still a solid ballplayer on the road.

In addition, although Helton did play his entire career in Colorado, he certainly didn't play every game there and the other stadiums in the NL West aren't quite the hitters' paradise that Coors Field is. In fact, the Dodgers, Giants, and Padres ballparks are all known as prominent pitchers parks. Another factor that helps Helton's case is the Humidor that was installed in the park in 2002 to hold/store the game baseballs in order to keep them moist. This was done so the baseballs would not carry as far when hit. All this being said, hitting always has and always will come down to putting the bat on the ball and Todd Helton proved throughout his 17 year career that he was quite skilled at doing so.    

Todd Helton is the best player that the Rockies organization has ever had and he deserves to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame. If a Rockies player is to ever get into the Hall it should certainly be the "Toddfather". When you think about the Colorado franchise the first name that comes to mind is always Todd Helton. He played a crucial role in their 2007 playoff run and helped guide the team to its only World Series appearance in franchise history.

Another important factor that is bound to play into the decisions of the voters is that Helton has never been linked to PED’s. Helton is not a first ballot Hall of Famer by any stretch but yet again not many people are, as only 7 players have gotten into the Hall in their first year of eligibility in the last 10 years, and these include the likes of Cal Ripken, Jr. and Tony Gwynn. With that being said, I do believe that Helton should eventually get the 75% of votes that are necessary to be enshrined in Cooperstown.

So Adam gave his take on Todd Helton's Hall of Fame case, but what do you think?  Let us know by leaving a comment below, and then answering the poll at the top of the blog.  And check back later in the week to see an opposing view.