Rumor: Sox pursuing Helton

[Fishercat]

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6414656

OK, it really depends on what the return to Colorado would be. Honestly, I am not that huge on Helton any more. On the road last year, he was, maybe, a slightly above average hitter. He was great before that, even on the road, but he has medical problems from time to time (missed almost 20 games each of the past two years), and I think it's affecting his performance. Additionally, if Mike Lowell leaves, his gold glove still won't help the defense with Youk going to third. in Lowell's place. Plus, the huge contract through 2011...

If it's just Clement, Lowell, and maybe one good prospect...I'll live. But Theo and co. better not give up the farm for this. Helton's not worth it, especially if he doesn't bounce back.

[browntown653]

Haven't watched enough of him but do you think the Sox are better off with Youkilis at 3rd or 1st?

[MLBaddict]

Wait.. Was Youk good at fielding when he was a 3B? But even if he was, he'll never fill the gap for Lowell. I don't think giving up our top reliever prospects for an aging expensive player is very smart.

[Fishercat]

Youkilis and Lowell provide a significantly better defensive option than Youkilis and Helton. Lowell is a GG Caliber 3B, and while Youkilis isn't a defensive liability, he's not the next Brooks Robinson. Even if Youkilis is merely average at both positions, having a GG-caliber 3B is more important than a GG-caliber 1B, so Lowell/Youk is more valuable defensively than Youk/Helton. As for the offensive boost from Lowell to Helton, it may be worth it for a couple years, but as long as Helton keeps declining, it's not worth doing the deal.