That won't be a concern this season. Tulowitzki and the NL champions finalized a $31 million, six-year contract tosday that includes a club option for the 2014 season.

"It's surreal," Tulowitzki said. "It's awesome."

The 23-year-old slick-fielding shortstop showed up for his news conference wearing a black suit, white shirt and purple tie, and was flanked by teammates Matt Holliday and Garrett Atkins.

Tulowitzki said he's just getting over the sting of being swept by the Boston Red Sox in the World Series.

However, the team's success played a big role in committing to a long-term deal.

"The guys on this team are great baseball players, but more than that they are great guys, great people," Tulowitzki said. "I took that into consideration. I looked at that and said, 'Wow, if we can keep the core guys together, we have the makings to be something special."'

Holliday agreed last week to a $23 million, two-year contract. Tulowitzki is hopeful that deal gets lengthened.

"He can make tons of money if he tests the free agent market," Tulowitzki said. "We know that, the organization knows that, everybody in baseball knows that. I'm going to be here for the next six years, I hope he wants to join me."