Communication key for Arenado in infield

DENVER -- Reaction overtook reason for Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado on Wednesday night.

The Marlins' Donovan Solano hit a fourth-inning bouncer between Arenado and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. Arenado quickly ranged to his left, grabbed the ball and made a full spin to throw to first base.

"It was funny," Arenado said. "We usually communicate or I look where he's at, but I didn't yesterday. That play came, and when I spun, I could see Tulo like [Arenado imitated Tulowitzki in position, glove ready]. He could have caught it and made a nice little throw."

It's just part of the learning curve for Arenado, who, like Tulowitzki, has greater range than the average player at his position. Even with the occasional overlap, for which Arenado said he apologized to Tulowitzki for, they've formed a left side of the infield that is always a threat to rob hitters. Arenado said usually communication on the field with Tulowitzki and other teammates has helped him.

"Everyone says that when you cover a lot of ground, it's easier, but you've got to communicate," Arenado said. "If we don't communicate, I'm going to overlap him or take his stuff when it's an easy, routine play for him, or he comes over to my area. It's been fun knowing I have him over there.

"When I first see it, I think I can get it, I'm going to go. But if I know where he is, I can let it go. He calls me off a lot, which is good. Sometimes I listen, sometimes I don't. But it's getting better."