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Wacky wagers offer playoff payoffs

Betsy Lehndorff, Rocky Mountain News

Published October 11, 2007 at midnight

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Mayors, governors, even florists, have placed friendly wagers on the outcome of the National League Championship Series between the Rockies and Diamondbacks.

Although the Rockies are the underdog in tonight's opener in Phoenix, don't fret. Those same oddsmakers say the Rockies will win the series.

Gov. Bill Ritter and Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano have agreed if the Diamondbacks win the best-of-seven series, Ritter will wear a Sedona red jersey and have his picture taken in it.

If the Rockies win and continue their "Rocktober" roll, Napolitano will sport the purple and black Colorado jersey.

Mayor John Hickenlooper could end up enjoying four "Big Units" — a nod to D-backs pitcher Randy Johnson's nickname — from rock star Alice Cooper's restaurant near Chase Field in Phoenix.

According to Scott Phelps, a spokesman for Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, the "units" are gigantic hot dogs sold at Alicecooperstown.

Hick is putting up a four-serving Rocky Mountain buffalo meatloaf from the Rocky Mountain Diner, said spokeswoman Sue Cobb.

Even though both mayors are unable to make tonight's first game, they have thrown an entire classroom of students into the deal.

If Colorado wins, Phoenix will treat an entire classroom of Denver kids to a Rockies game here, Cobb said. Or visa versa.

Even florists are jumping on the bandwagon.

Bouquets owners BJ Dyer and Guenther Vogt are planning a little something with Ken Young of Phoenix Flower Shops, located a few miles from Chase Field.

Today, the two unpacked boxes of flowers they won as a result of a bet earlier month with Philadelphia florists.

The two men will donate the blooms to dress up meals that Project Angelheart delivers to people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses in Denver and Colorado Springs, Dyer said.