Rockies/MLB

I will make this farewell short and sweet.

People who truly know me are aware of my disdain for saying "good-bye." It just sounds too final.

Can't win 'em all. How's that for thinking positive during Rockies spring training?

The fans booed Alex Rodriguez on Wednesday. He responded by hitting a home run.

For me, today, this Presidents Day Monday feels like old times. Really old times.

Sitting in the bedroom of my childhood home, peering out the window at snow falling in Cleveland while the Indians hold spring training in sunny Arizona. The aroma of Momma's breakfast cooking in the kitchen. Standing six feet tall in a bathroom while trying not to bump my head on the ceiling.

For the record, Denver's Sports Ring of Shame is the result of some guys in our office tossing ideas around during a routine morning brainstorming session.

Then it was tossed to me. I'm off and running.

Every now and then you read or see something that makes you go 'hmmm.'

My 'hmmm' moment on Thursday came after reading a quote from agent Scott Boras. This is the fella who represents a number of stars in Major League Baseball, former Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday among them.

If it's Monday, then it must be 'trade-an-All Star' day again in Denver.

Just as Allen Iverson was dealt from the Nuggets to the Detroit Pistons last week, Matt Holliday no longer is a member of the Rockies.

For a guy who might have to give away a few thousand one-topping pizzas soon, John Keiley keeps a devilish smile on his face.

Bold words painted on the window of his Lakewood restaurant, Johnny's New York Pizza and Pasta, explain why.

Sounds like Rockies All-Star left-fielder Matt Holliday wants a long-term contract -- and a no-trade clause for security.

Rockies ace Aaron Cook had a chance to tie the franchise record for wins in a season (17) going into today's start at Coors Field against the San Francisco Giants.

Not gonna happen.

It's Wednesday morning, and the Rockies are within five games of the lead in the National League's West Division.

Are we getting ready for more of that big R stuff again?

It was a year ago on Labor Day that I deemed the Rockies season to be at an end, and officially set sights on the Broncos season to come.

The Rockies trailed Arizona by nine games after losing 6-2 to the Diamondbacks at Coors Field on Aug. 14. After winning five of six games on the road, the Rockies return home to start a series against the Cincinnati Reds trailing Arizona by . . . nine games.

It been that way for the Rockies all season. They can't make their own luck - or catch a break.

The National League West-leading Arizona Diamondbacks won 4-2 at Coors Field on Tuesday. The Rockies are nine games back with 41 left to play. Safe to say they're not going to make a miracle run to catch Arizona. The question now is . . .

Ubaldo Jimenez was so good during the month of July that you had to worry he might lose an edge in a new month.

Maybe the Rockies put a calendar in front of the young right-handers locker showing the date July 32. He started August with continued dominance, blanking the Florida Marlins for seven innings while striking out 10.

Can you say overpowering and Rockies pitcher in the same sentence? For now, the answer is 'yes.'

"Maybe the Rockies will rip off 21 wins in 22 games again. I doubt it . . . This season looks to be done."

Those were words from the keys tapped on my computer July 13.