Rockies' Arenado learning from Tulowitzki just as he learned from Helton

Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is arguably the face of the Colorado Rockies franchise right now. Though at 30-years-old, his days as that face will eventually come to an end whether because of age, injury or trade. Third baseman Nolan Arenado, at 24-years-old, is the most likely to take on that mantle following Tulo. Before Tulowitzki, Todd Helton was synonymous with the Rockies.

Tulowitzki now recognizes how important Helton’s example was for him. According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, he said:

“If I pat a young kid on the back and say, 'I liked your swing in [batting practice] today,' that goes a long way. I didn't know that when I was young, but when Todd told me something, it stayed with me longer.”

It seems as though Tulowitzki has truly taken that to heart, and is passing on this tradition to Arenado. Per ESPN:

"He shows me the way," Arenado said. "Obviously, you have to be your own player and do your own things. But if this is how the best shortstop in the game does it, there's no reason I shouldn't be doing it.”

Even at 24-years-old, Arenado already sounds like a veteran and the next face of the franchise.

(h/t ESPN)