The Twilight Offseason

Imagine if you will, a parallel offseason. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call the Twilight Offseason.

In this offseason Jim Bowden retained Brad Wilkerson saying, "Wilkie is a valuable and versatile player on the field, and is becoming the new face of the franchise in the community." An offseason where Rick Short and Jamey Carroll were signed to guaranteed minimum contracts "because their hustle and sound fundamental play will serve as an example and inspiration to the team." Long winter months when Michael Tucker, Daryle Ward and Royce Clayton were signed to minor league deals "as veteran insurance policies against the struggles of our established starters and mentors to our developing youngsters."

Bowden resigned Esteban Loiaza for 3 yrs/$18M, noting that he expects the free agent market to be out of control, and in that light "this contract is a smart investment is a veteran pitcher who was invaluable to our rotation." Other veteran starters were signed to minor league deals with Spring Training invites to compete with Ryan Drese and Jon Rauch for the 5th spot in the rotation. Felix Rodriguez headlined a group of veteran relievers offered minor league contracts to supplement a Stanton, Eischen, Majewski, Ayala, Cordero bullpen.

Brendan Harris, Larry Broadway, Bernie Castro, Bill Bray, Jason Bergmann and Darrell Rasner were offered Spring Training invites and a chance at a spot on a 25-man roster uncluttered by redundant position players and reclamation pitching projects.

Now, if you dare, compare that parallel 40-man roster to the bloated monstrosity that Trader Jim has constructed in reality. And weep.