Rockies looking for leaders after Helton retirement

For 17 seasons the Colorado Rockies looked to Todd Helton for more that clutch home runs and RBIs. Helton was a leader in the club house and the answer man when it came to all things Rockies.

The team is now facing its first Spring Training in way more than a decade without the first baseman, and they are looking for his heir apparent.

"“I want every guy to feel like there’s somewhat of a responsibility to lead,” Weiss said. “Even if it’s a young guy, he can lead in the way he works and the way he plays the game. You don’t have to be a 10-year vet to lead. You can lead in your own way.”"

Aside from Helton, hard-hitting shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has been with the club the longest. He will feel the loss, but it was clear from his comments that he will attempt to make up for Helton in more ways than one.

"“I’m not going to really miss him until the season starts and we’re going through tough times and I’ll want to talk to him,” Tulowitzki said. “I’ve played the most years in this organization, and that’s a little different for me. I’ve never had to face that. That’s where Todd really came into play for me. I could bounce questions off him that I could never really ask anybody.“I would think people could come up to me and ask, whether it be about a clubhouse attendant or someone that works in the front office, and I’m probably going to have an answer for him because I’ve been around just about everybody. You know the ins and outs of the organization. You know people that cover the team. You know TV people. And then there are the baseball questions as well.”"