During a media session today, the Denver Post's Troy Renck talked with Todd Helton and learned that the 37-year-old first baseman plans to play out the rest of his contract. He has three years left on his deal, which he reworked with the club in March 2010. He has no plans for retirement, though he did consider to some extent it at one point during last season.
Helton's contract, which runs through 2013, pays him $10.6 million in 2011. Under the original deal he was scheduled to make $19.1 million this season, but the new deal saved $8.5 million (a $4.6 million buyout in 2012 became a signing bonus for 2011). He will make $4.9 million in 2012 and $5 million in the final year of the deal. Also, $13.1 million has been deferred over 2014-2023 at 3% interest.
Todd Helton had a poor 2010, hitting .279/.362/.367 with eight home runs and 37 RBI in 118 games. Manager Jim Tracy will continue to sit Todd Helton periodically this season in order to keep him healthy.