Catastrophe Averted

Well, the Rockies' worst nightmare almost happened, as Todd Helton had surgery on his right elbow to clear out a "loose body". Fortunately though, there was no damage to ligaments and he should be completely ready by spring training. If items like this are the extent of Rockies' news from this point on then the absence of news will be welcomed.

At this stage in the Rox' "rebuilding process" Helton's greatest value to the Rox is not in his HR and rbi totals. Yes, those elements of his game are important to the Rox' success and competitiveness on the field, but his most significant contribution to the Rockies as a franchise is his example of work ethic to the youngsters, of which some will be with the Rockies for the long-term.

For the second post in a row we are broadening the scope of DITR. Rick, from NFTMM, submitted this two-part entry for the Did You Know? Files: What three numbers have the Broncos retired? and What three players have worn the number “7” for the Broncos? The answers are listed below.

The inagural GFNK entry, along with a rather meandering email conversation, also spurred Rick to send me this:

You got me thinking about David Thompson. We shared season tickets with some folks the last year they were in the ABA and the first year they were in the NBA. Thompson was amazing. On the last day of the season—don’t remember the year—he and George Gervin were neck and neck for the scoring title. Gervin was, like, .02 pts. ahead. Denver played in the afternoon and Thompson poured in 70-some points and it looked like he had won. But Gervin went out that night and scored about the same and kept his thin lead. It was amazing. That was when—Thompson and Dr. J—the game started being played above the rim.

Unrelated to the Rockies or baseball, but great stuff nonetheless. Visit Remember the ABA to get a little glimpse at yesteryear and a truly exciting period in basketball.

The Did You Know? answers: Part 1. 7 (Elway), 18 (Frank Tripucka) and 44 (Floyd Little); Part 2. Elway, Craig Morton and Micky Slaughter.

Until next time, Go Rockies!