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TUESDAY WORKOUT: The trade that wasn't made

BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- During the offseason, and into spring training, there were rumors that Colorado first baseman Todd Helton would be heading to Boston in a deal that would include incumbent Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis.

The trade, obviously, did not come to pass. And while Youkilis had a solid season, Colorado manager Clint Hurdle was happy the Rockies kept Helton, who turned 34 this season, his 11th year with the Rockies.

''I can't take you through how close it came (to being a done deal). That would be a question for ownership or a general manager. Things happen for a reason,'' said Hurdle this afternoon during his press conference prior to the Rockies' workout at Fenway Park.

''I think Todd made it clear that in his career he would rather get things accomplished in Colorado and that's the way it worked out. I don't think you could ever find Todd Helton more engaging and more emotionally satisfied than going through what he's going through and having this opportunity in front of him. He has been the face of the organization in many different ways,'' said Hurdle.

''The accomplishments on the field are very special, but the presence in the clubhouse, the way he embraced the younger players as they started to develop (was great). Guys like Todd Helton don't come around very often and we're very fortunate to have him still involved, playing first base and hitting cleanup for us in the 2007 World Series,'' he said.

Posted by Steven Krasner  at 4:34 PM | Permalink