June 27, 2008 3:25 PM

Helton rests; June 27

1B Todd Helton was out of the lineup Friday, a long-awaited day off. Helton said the day off had been in the works since the Rockies were in Chicago two weeks ago, but had been delayed because of the suspension of C Yorvit Torrealba along with the absence of others from the lineup with injuries. Jeff Baker takes Helton's place at first base. Helton is in a 4-for-42 slump that has dropped his average to .267. Asked if he would return to the lineup Saturday, Helton said, ``we'll see.'' Manager Clint Hurdle said the combination of Thursday's off day and Helton not being in the lineup on Friday gave the first baseman two full days off.

SCOTT PODSEDNIK is the DH on Friday, giving the Rockies the Willy Taveras-Podsednik speed duo at the top of the lineup. ``We did it in Chicago (in one game) with a little success so we will try it again,'' said Hurdle. ``You don't want to be stubborn. We have to look for a way to make things happen. We have to find a way to get out offense going in a consistent fashion.''

HURDLE WAS born in Big Rapids, Michigan, and has never hidden his ties to the Detroit sports scene. The trip to play the Tigers gives him a chance to relive his youthy.
``From my hotel room I can see Tiger Stadium, formerly Briggs Stadiu, when I visisted it,'' said Helton. ``That summer trip from the barm to the big city was priceless. ... The Old English D (on the Tiger hat) was a part of me.''
Hurdle had a chance to tour the Ernie Harwell Exhibit at the Public Library on Friday and spent three hours with Harwell, and met up with Lions coach Rob Marinelli.

THE LINEUPS
ROCKIES
CF Willy Taveras (rh)
DH Scott Podsednik (lh)
LF Matt Holliday (rh)
RF Brad Hawpe (lh)
3B Garrett Atkins (rh)
1B Jeff Baker (rh)
C Chris Iannetta (rh)
SS Troy Tulowitzki (rh)
2B Clint Barmes (rh)
Starting pitcher: RHP Ubaldo Jimenez

TIGERS
CF Curtis Granderson (lh)
2B Placido Polanco (rh)
3B Carlos Guillen (sh)
RF Magglio Ordonez (rh)
1B Miguel Cabrera (rh)
LF Clete Thomas (lh)
DH Gary Sheffield (rh)
C Ivan Rodriguez (rh)
SS Michael Hollimon (sh)
Starting pitcher: RHP Eddnie Bonine

Posted by Tracy Ringolsby at 3:25 PM | Comments (0)