Dear 2009 Rockies,

The moment is still fresh in my mind.  When you were just one out away from sealing yet another comeback victory at Coors Field in game 4 of last year's NLDS, Ryan Howard lined a game tying RBI double into the right field corner breaking the hearts of Rockie fans everywhere.  A Jayson Werth RBI single and a Brad Lidge save later, and the magical season you provided us with was suddenly over.   

It was quite a punch to the gut.  The thought of not being able to see you guys play anymore was as shocking as it was painful.  However, there was one thing we all took solace in.  We knew we weren't saying goodbye to you forever; it was only a hiatus.  The team that went 74-42 under Jim Tracy, the team that came from 15.5 games behind to make the playoffs, the team that had three different road winning streaks of five or more games, and the team we all fell in love with would be back next season. 

We all anxiously awaited your return all offseason as we watched unbiased writers pick the Rockies to win the division, and those with a rooting interest guarantee it.  We thought you came back in April; it sure looked like you anyway.  Players by the same names playing mediocre baseball early in the season only made us say "Yep that's our Rockies.  They always get off to slow starts but we know they will pick it up soon"

As we moved deeper into the season however, we began to realize we were not watching the same team as last year.  Instead we are stuck with a group of guys who bear a striking resemblance to you (except this Tulo has a mullet), but only know how to impersonate the way you play at Coors Field.  It's extremely frustrating.

As we watch San Diego and San Francisco get farther and farther away, we are all left wondering why you never came back.  Was it something we said?  Did the Padres kidnap you and steal your mojo?  We all just want to know where you are.  We long for the late game heroics, the consistent play night in and night out, the ability to actually win a series on the road, and the thrill of being in a playoff spot. There are still 48 games left, enough time for you to make an impact.

So wherever you've gone off to, please come back.  We all miss you terribly and this season just hasn't been the same without you. 

Sincerely, RIRF and all the Rowbots who sign in the comment section