As a one-time Colorado Rockies fan, I was surprised to learn that in recent years the team has been making a concerted effort to hire players and managers with character. What kind of character? The kind based on Christian values.

The focus on religion starts at the top with CEO Charlie Monfort, who was a notorious partier and drinker until a few years ago when he converted to Christianity, which now influences every aspect of his life. Stop me if you've heard this one before.

But it isn't just the owner and the management. It's the players, too. "Quotes from Scripture are posted in the weight room. Chapel service is packed on Sundays. Prayer and fellowship groups each Tuesday are well-attended. It's not unusual for the front office executives to pray together," according to the USA Today article.

"I don't want to offend anyone, but I think character-wise we're stronger than anyone in baseball. Christians, and what they've endured, are some of the strongest people in baseball. I believe God sends signs, and we're seeing those," Monfort says.

Does God send signs through baseball? The Rockies seem to think so. And they think by being the only Christian-focused team in the league, good things will happen. Considering they haven't made the playoffs in 11 years, they need all the help they can get.

Hat tip: Phronesisaical