See You In April

Went to the Rockies final home game of the year. The air was crisp on a beautiful Colorado afternoon. It felt and looked like Opening Day except for fewer people and lack of pageantry.
The final game at Coors Field was strange. Knowing that I won't be at that grand ballpark for 6 months was a bummer. But even more so, the Rockies were a colossal disappointment this season.
A torrid April was followed by a dreadful May and then playing out the string for the last three months. The Rockies finished 38-43 at home this season, completely unacceptable for a team that had championship aspirations. Normally the Rockies struggle on the road. Meaning they need to clean up at home. That didn't happen.
Aaron Cook, making perhaps his final start in Coors Field in a Rockies uniform, started, and gave up 4 runs in the first inning. The Padres ended up winning the game 4-0, Colorado's 7th straight loss, capping an 0-7 home stand.
What is wrong with the Rockies? A lot. Too much to get into now.
As for Cook, the winningest pitcher in franchise history with 72, his 11-million dollar option won't be picked up next year. It's doubtful the Rockies will sign him at a discount price. With that in mind, I'm a little miffed that the Rockies fans who showed up today didn't give Cook a warm ovation. They actually booed him in the first inning. I don't want to rip the fans who showed up today because they are true baseball fans. But over the past decade of watching baseball at Coors Field I've come to the conclusion, on more than one occasion, that this is simply not a baseball-savvy town. The fans who go to Coors Field go for the atmosphere, the social aspect and the chance to spend some time in the fresh air with friends. Baseball is the backdrop to a nice day or night out. Their lack of knowledge and passion for the game itself is somewhat surprising. That is why when the Red Sox or Yankees come to town and bring their legions of fans, the locals don't know what to make of them. Being "into" every pitch isn't something that Rockies fans can be accused of. I love them but they just don't know or care about the game as much as I wish they did. Which is actually a good thing for management and the players. In other cities they would have been booed out of town and rightfully so.
Anyway, I'll miss Coors Field and hope the winter goes by quickly. Which it won't. It never does, does it?