Best local sports team -- professional

The Blake Street Bombers have long since flown their last mission. In the new millennium, the Colorado Rockies' general manager, "Dealin' Dan" O'Dowd, and field manager, Buddy Bell, have replaced the old power urges with speed, finesse and pitchers who throw strikes -- and so far the results have been striking. The nouveaux Rox -- seventeen new names graced the Opening Day roster -- led by outfielders Tom Goodwin and Larry Walker, third baseman Jeff Cirillo and first-sacker Todd Helton (who's having a career year) have the best home-field record in the major leagues, remain true contenders for the National League West title and continue to thrill the throngs at Coors Field with an exciting new brand of ball.

Readers' choice: Colorado Avalanche