It’s no secret that the Rockies clubhouse loves shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, so much that they offered them two of the highest paying contracts in Colorado Rockies history. Both Tulowitzki and Gonzalez have been fan favorites not only because of their defense but their offense speaks volumes.

Tulowitzki debuted his rookie season in late 2006 playing the remainder 25 games of the regular season. The following year, he battled Clint Barmes for the shortstop position. The struggling Barmes lost his spot in the rotation to the sensational rookie who lit a spark that will forever be etched in the minds of the purple and black alumni.

Tulowitzki led the Rockies on one of the most incredible runs in MLB history beginning with Rocktober. For most of 2007 the Colorado Rockies were the basement franchise of the West sitting dead last among the L.A. Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres; however, the Rockies earned a league’s best 20-8 after trailing the division leader by six games in the start of September.

In similar fashion Gonzalez soon became a fan favorite after the Rockies dealt Matt Holliday to St. Louis in return for Huston Street, Greg Smith and the Venezuelan outfielder. Gonzalez spent some of his first season with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox before getting called up from Triple A to join the Rockies putting up superstar numbers before the end of 2009.

In 2011, the Colorado Rockies decided to pass on a contract extension with pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez after coming off a dismal 2010 season. Jimenez was a promising talent at the mound and also a fan favorite in Colorado. However, any liking for the young pitcher now a Cleveland Indian is a wash for fans in Colorado after he nailed Tulowitzki in what some call a product of Jimenez’ displeasure for the Rockies organization after getting traded. Jimenez was suspended five games including his opener this week. He has denied any malicious intent and is adamant that it was an accident.

In the NFL: The Denver Broncos will have a slightly new look in 2012 with Nike announcing the new line of uniforms for all 32 teams in the NFL. The unveiling took place in New York Tuesday afternoon.

In college basketball: The University of Kentucky won the NCAA championship in a 67-59 victory against the University of Kansas. The win marked the school’s eighth national title.