ST. LOUIS -- Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado is always working on his game. But his admiration for Scott Rolen, one of three inducted into the Cardinals Hall of Fame on Saturday, demonstrates his love for guys with game.

Rolen, who played for 17 seasons, was bigger than Arenado and had a different swing. Rolen also was the preeminent practitioner of the barehanded play, but his technique was totally different from the one Arenado has used to earn six Rawlings Gold Glove Awards in as many Major League seasons.

Still, a few years back, Arenado asked video coordinator Brian Jones for a reel of Rolen highlights.

“I always appreciate the greats of the game, and he’s one of them,” said Arenado, who had never met Rolen as of early Saturday afternoon. “I think he’s a Hall of Famer. What he accomplished on both sides of the ball was incredible. They won the World Series. I’ve always admired his game from afar, and his longevity and consistency don’t go unnoticed.

“I would ask ‘Jonesy’ for videos of him, Aramis Ramirez, Adrian Beltre, some really good third basemen that played this game -- A-Rod [Alex Rodriguez]. I’ve got a bunch of videos. Whenever I ask, he’s always cool about sending me stuff.”

Arenado said he marvels at Rolen’s approach on the barehand, mainly because he can’t emulate it.

“He used to start super wide and I was amazed by that -- how super quick he had to be by starting that wide,” Arenado said. “I can’t do that. I like to start a little narrow. I appreciate how quick he was on his feet. He was 6-3, 6-4, not really sure, but it was amazing how his feet moved.

“At the end of the day, you hear about this guy named Scott Rolen who is one of the best. Everyone’s goal is to become the best. I try to watch him and see what he was doing different than everyone else. Everyone was talking about Scott Rolen. I’m trying to learn a little bit, but at the same time I’m just admiring his work, how good he was, what he accomplished. I’m not trying to take anything from him. He’s one of the greats and we should appreciate him.”

Arenado's appreciation of Rolen does not go unreciprocated. This series has given Rolen a chance to see just what Arenado can do as well.

"[Arenado] has a real good feel of where to be, when to be there," said Rolen. "Last night, Yadi hits the ball down the line and he’s just there. He makes a great play. That’s a big thing that I hope isn’t lost in the game as we keep going with a lot of the analytics. I want to keep the instincts and the feel for the game. He’s got a real nice knack at the plate to get to barrel to the ball and in the field to be in the right position to make a play.”

Time is coming
All-Star outfielder David Dahl, out since sustaining a right high ankle sprain on Aug. 2, is with the club and progressing in weight room and off-field activities. Manager Bud Black predicted Dahl could be doing baseball activities in a week to 10 days. He said it would be beneficial to have Dahl back on the field by regular season’s end.

“I don’t know if it’s important, but it just leaves a great taste in your mouth from a player's standpoint to end the season playing and healthy,” Black said. “From my perspective and my experience, you always want to end the season healthy and as a normal, active player.”