Morning Links: Rockies News 4/5

The Colorado Rockies are coming off of a nice series win in Milwaukee as they prepare for their home opener today against the San Diego Padres. Here’s what else is happening with the Rockies and around the rest of the league:

From Troy Renck: Rockies veteran Todd Helton ready to start 16th straight season at LoDo ballpark (Denver Post)

"Jeff Francis, Friday’s starting pitcher against the Padres’ Jason Marquis, a former Rockies all-star, doesn’t have any doubt what will follow Helton’s introduction. Thunderous applause, perhaps a standing ovation."

The Rockies. Image: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

From Paul Swydan: Todd Helton tries to ride again (FanGraphs)

"There would be other benefits to hitting Helton second, as well. In 283 plate appearances last season, Helton walked 39 times. In 291 PA, Rutledge walked just nine times. Among players with at least 250 PA last season, Helton’s 13.8% BB% ranked eighth in the game, while Rutledge’s meager 3.1% ranked 298th out of 302 players. Helton also sees more pitches. Sticking with the minimum 250 PA threshold, Helton’s 4.14 pitches-seen-per-plate-appearance ranked 35th. Rutledge’s 3.58 P/PA ranked 258th."

From Troy Renck: Rockies to honor 1993 inaugural team in Friday’s home opener (Denver Post)

"As many as half the players from the 25-man roster are expected to return for the throwback weekend — which includes some $19.93 rollback prices on select seats — including Charlie Hayes, Jerald Clark, Freddie Benavides and Vinny Castilla. They will be honored in a pregame ceremony Friday."

From David Ramsey: Sky Sox’s Colvin reluctantly accepts his trip to Triple-A (The Gazette)

"Colvin dismisses that his tumble was solely because of his performance at spring training. He believes the Rockies wanted to emphasize speed, especially in the outfield.Nobody in the organization is faster than Eric Young Jr., who also has spent far more time in Colorado Springs than he wanted.“I understand what happened,” Colvin said. “I’m happy for Eric. I understand the plan, but it leaves me as the odd man out.”"