SCOTTSDALE — The delay has been puzzling.

That’s why it suggests there is a reason.

Todd Helton will address the media Sunday, talking publicly for the first time since his arrest on suspicion of drunk and careless driving Feb. 6. I fully expect him to explain his 11-day absence before holding a news conference. Teammates have said Helton has been introspective since the incident, and is determined to learn from this experience.

“I feel good. I am getting better,” Helton said in a brief conversation Saturday after batting practice.

Sportswriting has long demanded knowledge of the police blotter. Having covered news conferences like this in the past, I suspect Helton will be limited in his scope because it’s an ongoing investigation. But he will accept responsibility for his poor judgment, for the embarrassment, echoing comments from the statement he released the day of his arrest. Rather than address teammates during Sunday’s 10 a.m. meeting in the theater room, it’s more likely he does it behind clubhouse doors.

Frankly, most teammates I talked to don’t need to hear a word. They know Helton is contrite.

Helton has always been unique in his talent and mind-set. His competitiveness could be unhealthy at times. That, however, is what often separates stars from their teammates. And the rest of us.

I have never covered an athlete who is more critical of his performance than Helton. Early in his career, he would deprive himself of food if he didn’t get a hit. He has played through pain for years, never using it as an excuse, even though it clearly compromised his performance. Knowing Helton the way I do, as a smart, prideful man, I believe that something positive will come from this.

“Some good already has,” he said Saturday without elaborating.

Helton can’t change what happened, but he can control what happens next. Sunday will be a significant step in the right direction.

Kitts, clubs. With stardom comes privilege. Carlos Gonzalez made the offseason Nike trip to St. Kitts in the Caribbean with his family. He was joined by several stars, including Andrew McCutchen and Adam Jones.

CarGo tried golf for the first time.

“I was terrible,” he said. “But I hit the ball far.”

The Rockies’ all-star outfielder played with Ken Griffey Jr., and yes, “his swing was beautiful just like in baseball,” Gonzalez said.

Here’s to A.K. White Sox starter Jake Peavy made a moving gesture last week. The Chicago Tribune reported that the pitcher had the letters “AK” stitched into the tongue of his cleats to honor the late Darrel Akerfelds.

The longtime Padres coach and former Columbine High star passed away last summer at the age of 50 after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Footnotes. Rockies pitcher Adam Ottavino will be the least surprised if shortstop Jose Reyes has a big year in his first season with the Blue Jays. Ottavino worked out with Reyes, Ruben Tejada and Pedro Beato again this winter in New York. The program was designed for four days a week, but Reyes worked out six times. “He’s jacked,” Ottavino said. … The Rockies are still contemplating how to construct their bullpen. But it will include three hybrids. These pitchers, like Ottavino and Josh Outman, would be available to pitch multiple innings, bridging to the setup men. … For those asking, including Melky Cabrera himself, the disgraced outfielder will receive a World Series ring. This is common practice, teams providing rings for any player who was on the roster during the championship season. … Angels outfielder Mike Trout showed up to camp at 240 pounds. He looked more like a tight end than a running back. Will he shed the weight? Can he remain just as quick? Trout’s so young, he will likely shed 10 pounds in spring training, alleviating any concerns. … Jason Giambi’s chances of making the Indians took a hit with the signing of Michael Bourn, which shifts Nick Swisher to first and Mark Reynolds into DH duty.

Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1294, trenck@denverpost.com or twitter.com/troyrenck