THE FREE AGENT SIGNING

The front office pleaded poverty
during an off-season of soaring stratospheric contracts
that it conveniently sat out.

But the front office came off the bench
once the team was out front of its division
but flagging and facing serious, scrappy competition.

They signed the killer closer, the seven-time All-Star,
the bearded beast who held out for months into the season,
hoping just to finally get paid after a near-Hall of Fame career.

In this world, you have to prove yourself,
you have to pay your dues, establish your value,
but it’s not enough, It’s never enough.