The Way To .400

Sporting News, The, Sept 4, 2000 by Michael Knisley

Prognosis: He won't.

Quote: "He has the deadest head in baseball. No matter what he does, even when he lifts his foot and puts it down, his head does not move. When he takes his swing, the only thing you see is the top of his helmet ... He's got the Tony Gwynn ability, I think, to pick up a ball. I think he will hit .400." --Atlanta (and former San Diego) hitting coach Merv Rettenmund

Thursday-Sunday, September 14-17

Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium

This year. See September 8-10.

Hidden factor:. Where the Dodgers stand may determine the quality of pitching Helton sees. If they're still in contention, they'll care. If they're not, he gets the edge.

Prognosis: This series could be a big stumbling block. It's in a pitcher's park in a media cooker Still, he has hit .362 on the road this year.

Quote: "I don't know if he can do it, but I tell you what: He's taking me to places that I haven't been in a long time, just watching him. His work ethic, the joy of playing the game.... I got to watch George (Brett) chase .400, too, and Todd has the same passion and respect for the game I saw in George." --Rockies hitting coach Clint Hurdle

Tuesday-Thursday, September 19-21

San Diego at Coors Field

This year, See September 11-13.

Hidden factor: Don't count on RHP Trevor Hoffman to keep him from .400. Even one of the best closers in the majors throws up his hands when he faces Helton, who is 3-for-3 (two doubles) against him this year.

Prognosis: If he's just below .400 when this series starts, he'll be just above it by the time it ends.

Quote: "Todd Helton might be the best-looking hitter I've ever seen since George Brett I just watch him now. I don't even watch our pitcher I just watch him, just focus in on him. He is so smooth. Every swing is good. This guy seems like he hits a line drive every time he swings the bat. Boy, I wouldn't bet against him hitting .400. I ain't joking." --Braves manager Bobby Cox

Friday-Sunday, September 22-24

Florida at Coors Field

This year: No contest. Helton is hitting .458 in six games. He's roughed up every Marlins starter he's faced except RHP Reid Cornelius, who held him hitless in two at-bats last month. RHP Chuck Smith and RHP Alex Fernandez each gave up three hits to him.

Hidden factor: Fernandez is done for the year, so Helton can't feast on those pitches again. This should be another series in which he'll see arms he doesn't know.

Prognosis: He makes hay. A big series here will set up a dramatic final week.

Quote: "I'd definitely rather face somebody I've seen before. If they bring some guy up who throws 97 and has no idea where it's going ... no, I wouldn't look forward to that. But if he's just your regular righthanded Joe that they're putting out there, that'd be fine with me." --Todd Helton

Monday-Thursday, September 25-28

Arizona at Coors Field

This yeah He's below-average against the Diamondbacks, batting .281 in nine games. He has handled LHP Brian Anderson (3-for-8), and has survived against LHP Randy Johnson (1-for-4) and RHP Armando Reynoso (1-for-5). He hasn't faced RHP Curt Schilling.