Rock Bottom

For a slightly more spry but still business-like image, there's Dealin' Doug Moreland, another faithful fan with a pompadour more plush than Dinger's hide. I'm sure he'd be willing to haul out that Superman cape, too.

To mock those who just a month ago said the Rockies didn't have a prayer, Jesus could be the answer. Although Clint Hurdle's "God's team" talk has been played down this year, there has to be a reason the Rockies have been playing up...and up...and up.

The Rockies themselves clearly recognize that there are more beloved icons in this city than Dinger. After all, they enlisted the state's star celebrity to kick off Saturday night's game, putting John Elway on the JumboTron to wish the team and the town luck. But with all his business interests, including his own sports team, the Colorado Crush, Elway might not have time to represent for a separate franchise full-time.

Fortunately, there's another sports idol poised to make the move, one who comes not only with adoring fans, but the right name and pedigree: Rocky. The limber mountain lion has been the most consistent reason to watch the Denver Nuggets since he made his debut on the basketball court back in 1990, when Denver was still dreaming of bringing major-league baseball to this town.

And Rocky could eat Baxter, the Diamondback's bobcat, for lunch.