List grows of them who believe.

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"They are very athletic (and) durable, and there's no easy out in their lineup," San Diego Padres general manager Kevin Towers said. "I really think they are going to be in it for the long haul."

"Yes, I do think the Rockies are legitimate contenders," Arizona Diamondbacks GM Josh Byrnes said. "(Brad) Hawpe, (Matt) Holliday and (Garrett) Atkins really have become a credible group behind Helton. Our division will likely remain a five-team race."

"They have guys taking good at-bats, they have legitimate starting pitching, a good bullpen," St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said. "I think they're for real."

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Ever so slightly, the rest of the National League is beginning to take notice of the Rockies. The current issue of Sports Illustrated boasts a short feature on right fielder Brad Hawpe, left, saying he is the "most unfamiliar name on the early season leaderboards."

Hawpe said Monday he had not read the piece and added that, if the Rockies continue to contend in the NL West, the inevitable extra media exposure will not be a cause of distraction for the young team.

"The whole point for us to keep winning is between the lines," Hawpe said. "You take that stuff with a grain of salt and move on."

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Angels shortstop Orlando Cabrera explained why the Rockies are one of only two National League teams with a winning record in interleague play. "They are one of the best-hitting clubs I have ever seen. Every one of their guys, it seems, is batting .300 with 10 home runs. How do you pitch to a team like that?" Cabrera asked, rolling his eyes. "I have seen San Diego, the Dodgers and San Francisco, and I think Colorado starting next season is going to dominate that division."