DENVER — Todd Helton's wish for the upcoming season is to make it through the grind with a little bit more left in his tank come October. Jason Giambi's return to Denver should help him accomplish that goal.

Giambi's $1.75-million, one-year contact with the Colorado Rockies was finalized yesterday, a deal that allows Giambi to spell Helton at first base and serve as a pinch hitter.

"Last year was probably the first year I really felt tired at the end of the season," Helton said recently. "I'd like to have something left at the end of the season so I can maybe hit a home run. ... Some of this is my fault. I'll take care of myself a little bit better and work a little bit harder so I can be ready at the end of the year."

ELSEWHERE

Alomar Jr. in Canadian Hall: Former Blue Jays second baseman Roberto Alomar Jr. will be inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame this summer. Alomar, a 12-time All-Star, missed out on induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., by eight votes earlier this month. He was selected for the Canadian version yesterday.

Griffey Jr. good to go: Ken Griffey Jr. is ready to go for spring training. Griffey had surgery on his left knee in October. Seattle Mariners trainer Rick Griffin says Griffey is "better now than he was at any time last year." The 40-year-old Griffey hit .214 last season in his return to Seattle, with 19 homers and 57 RBIs in 117 games.

Right-hander Contreras a Phillie: Jose Contreras has finalized a $1.5 million, one-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. The 38-year-old right-hander went a combined 6-13 with a 4.92 ERA in 28 games last year with the Chicago White Sox and Colorado Rockies.