DENVER -- Veteran first baseman Todd Helton is following the Rockies' busy offseason just like anyone else. Being the team's longest-tenured and highest-paid player doesn't mean he has, or is offering, a voice in the process.

He's just trying to be a part of the Rockies, however they're constructed.

A back injury limited him to 83 games (.267, seven home runs, 29 RBIs) and forced him to undergo surgery in September.

Helton fully expects to return to the lineup before the season, even if he seems a long way from it right now. There's no general strength training, no baseball activity. Robert Watkins, a noted surgeon for professional athletes, performed arthroscopic surgery on Sept. 30 to relieve the pressure a bulging disk was putting on a nerve.

"Just rehab -- tedious rehab," said Helton, who expects to be ready for the start of the season. "I don't even get around weights. I can't do that yet. I'm just doing the treadmill and stationary bike-type stuff. They put me on a program to get my strength and just work on my back. Once I'm done with that, I'm free to do whatever."

Earlier in his career, Helton, 35, may have given an opinion on the loss of left fielder Matt Holliday, who was dealt to the Athletics this week because his potential salary was growing beyond the Rockies' potential payroll. Not long after Helton signed his nine-year, $141.5 million contract, the Rockies determined they didn't have enough money to go around and began jettisoning vets. He spoke out then.

But after stepping off a treadmill this week, Helton said analyzing trades is beyond his job description.

"I've learned not to lose too much sleep over it," Helton said. "I've learned because I've gotten older. This game has gotten a lot harder for me. I need to get myself better, rather than trying to do somebody else's job. It's my job to help the team play better baseball."

Besides, Helton bought in to the youth movement a few years ago that produced Holliday and others who eventually helped the team to a World Series berth in 2007. Now, the Rockies are turning back to system products after finishing 74-88 in 2008.

For the Rockies, going with younger players won't be like going back to scratch.

Outfielder Ryan Spilborghs has performed well in a reserve role, and outfielder Seth Smith and third baseman Ian Stewart have spent plenty of prep time at Triple-A Colorado Springs the past two years. Outfield prospect Carlos Gonzalez, obtained from the A's in the Holliday trade, fits as that type of player, even though it isn't clear if he'll be ready to contribute or will have to at least begin the year at Triple-A.

"One of the good things about playing for this team is guys are going to get their chances, and if you're a young guy that's a wonderful thing," Helton said. "Sometimes maybe they'll get a longer look than they ought to or deserve, but a lot of times that turns out to be a good thing. It may take a little more time, but they turn out to be really good players."

For now, Helton is more concerned about being able to join that young lineup. He is confident the rehab process will be successful. But it's not easy.

"It's still sore," Helton said. "I've got a lot of work to do."