I want to respect what he’s done in his career…And he’s earned the benefit of the doubt for the type of career he’s had. And to be honest with you, the first couple of days I saw him in spring training taking batting practice, I said, ‘This guy’s still got a lot left.’

It’s no gold watch, but…Image: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

If Weiss did not genuinely believe that Helton still has something left in the tank, he could have graciously ended this quote after the part where he talked about the benefit of the doubt. As we get a sense of Weiss and how he is going to handle this team, straight-forwardness and candor are among his top priorities. If he says it he means it.

It is with that in mind that I include this thought from Weiss about Helton doing more pinch-hitting this year:

He’s going to have some at-bats in those type of situations late in games…It’s a credit to him being mentally ready and focused on a day he had off.

And Weiss will continue to have those expectations for those at-bats in the future. The thought of Helton entering games cold either as a pinch-hitter or as a defensive replacement has always made me a little nervous. For now we will have to trust the line of communication between Helton and Weiss so that he does not end up in a bad position in terms of his effectiveness or, more importantly, his health.

If this is something that can work out, it gives the Rockies a serious weapon for situational at-bats. How frustrating is it to have a pinch-hitter come up in a big spot, clearly be overmatched, and wave at three pitches? Especially when you at least need the ball put in play. If it is something with which Helton is comfortable and the situation calls for it, this could benefit the Rockies in a season in which we know Helton will have plenty of days off.

It certainly paid off today, and the Rockies come home with a .500 road trip and an 8-4 record.

But just how good do these Rockies appear to be? Let’s get carried away with ourselves for a moment shall we? Falling back to our old Bill James Pythagorean Expectation, this team is currently on pace to put up 972 runs scored and only allow 729 runs — good enough for a Joel Dill approved updated win prediction of 93!! OCTOBER HERE WE COME!!!! RIGHT?! RIGHT!?!?! WHO’S WITH ME!? For anyone saying it can’t be done the Yankees scored 968 runs in 2007 and 930 runs in 2006. The Red Sox put up 910 in 2005 and the Rangers scored 901 in 2008. The thought of a prolific scoring season is not completely out of bounds at all.

And how (insert overwhelming adjective here) have Cargo and Tulo been for the Rockies so far? The 3 and 4 hole of this lineup is on track to contribute roughly 60% of the total offense. With both fellas taking an easy 360-foot trot each game, and knocking in a combined 7 runs, there is really nothing to complain about. Seeing these guys in “mid-season” form is exciting. The lineup looks rock solid so far — to no one’s surprise — and hopefully it stays that way.

Hold on everyone I found something to complain about. I apologize because I momentarily blocked the fact that Wilton Lopez is on the 25-man roster. Talk about a total disappointment! What a great move by Dealing Danny O’Dudd O’Dowd to send away a young starting pitcher (Alex White) for these stellar performances. I am almost, kind of, shocked that it is the bullpen that is having issues versus the starting rotation….

Apr 2, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Colorado Rockies manager Walt Weiss hands the ball over to pitcher Edgmer Escalona (61) in the fifth inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Ok now back to reality. The Rockies are 1-1 and have put up two solid games against a very good Brewers club. They are still a long, long way away from being a playoff team but no one can fault them for going toe-to-toe with a legit contender, away from the friendly altitude of Coors Field! And Walt Weiss lead his team to his first W! Congrats Walter! While all of us fans (and the baseball world) are still trying to figure out Weiss’ management style, one thing was evident last night: he likes to use the relievers. In what was a very Tony La Russa-like move he even used 3 pitchers to get 3 outs in the 9th inning bringing in Rafael Betancourt to get a 1/3 IP save to end the game. Who knows if this will become the norm or if it was a one time deal but I would have no problem if Weiss ended up being the next TLR. The problem with being too much like TLR right now is that the starting rotation has not been going deep enough into games. Let’s just hope he doesn’t wear out a bullpen that has a lot of 2012 miles on it too early in the 2013 season. It is safe to say that whatever style he settles with there is nothing more satisfying then getting that first win in the books.

Rockies fans rejoice! You have a .500 baseball team!!