In honor of the gallant warriers of NIL, and while waiting for the Astro bats to heat 
up again, enclosed is an ode to the 2004 year.  Apologies in advance...
 
Tough to get a Card FA through the Gyrators of St. Louis,
When you get the whole team, you'll certainly blow through us.
 
An early contender was the speedy Dagibu, with the loss of Dotel, they became blue.
While 40-40 Beltran really came through, the others got winded and this team fell back, too.
 
The Roosters were crowing, and hoping for Griffey, 
But his latest injury quieted them in a jiffey.  (sorry, George - couldn't resist)
 
The Wookies called it right with Oliver Perez,
Matt, I hope you do as well with your vote for the Prez.
 
Izturis's rep was that of a "no - goodnik"
But Guelph took a gamble, now he's another Podsoodnik.
 
In the Spring it looked like the Harriers might fight, 
But they found that two Vogelsongs don't make a Wright.
 
Adjustments were few and transactions were rare, 
Yet still in the upper division BOCES did fare.
 
After hitting way too much lumber,
The Dog's Prior finally woke from his slumber.
 
Sexson rested and that wasn't funny, 
But even so Pasadena managed to end in the money.
 
The Widebodies charged, gunning again for the two-hole,
They almost made it - needed just a little more Pujol.
 
Kohns found a bargain in overlooked Aramis,
Wish they had deals like this at the malls in Paramus.
 
Beltway Beltre's time did finally arrive,
With Rocket and Freel, to the pennant they did drive.
 
Thus we have ended NIL 2004.
The winter, like this poem, t'wil be a bit of a bore.

-- Bruce McClellan