PHOENIX -- Rockies manager Walt Weiss is making sure Justin Morneau spends what could be his final days in purple pinstripes as a player, rather than a mentor.
While sitting out from May to September with a neck strain and concussion symptoms, Morneau graciously prepared Ben Paulsen to be his successor at first base by offering support, advice, even the occasional quip. But from Sept. 4, when he returned from the disabled list, through Tuesday night, Morneau hit .351 in 57 at-bats, starting 15 of the 18 games in a clear show of respect from the manager.