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Ben Paulsen passing the test at first base for Rockies

There's a test for Rockies first basemen. Pass and you'll play.

The exam comes when third baseman Nolan Arenado skips you a throw from third across the Coors Field grass, in the glare of the setting sun.

"That's a difficult play," manager Walt Weiss said. "It may not look that way from the stands or on TV, but it's not easy. ... It makes you get creative."

The Rockies have been forced to get creative too, finding somebody to play first base in the absence of Justin Morneau, who continues to be sidelined because of concussionlike symptoms.