R.I.P., Paul Bargas

Paul Bargas, a 23-year-old pitcher in the Twins' organization, has passed away from a rare brain cancer, reports Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Christensen notes that Bargas began having severe headaches last year and was diagnosed with primary nervous-system lymphoma during spring training 2011.

After being treated at UCLA Medical Center, Bargas attempted a comeback this season. "Succumbing to the idea of dying would be, in my eyes, like backing down from a fight," Bargas said at the time. "Regardless of how big it is, whether it's a hitter or a disease."

Unfortunately, his condition worsened before he could make it back to the mound.

There's no rational explanation when someone dies at such a young age, but perhaps the young man's courage and impossible resolve will be some small comfort to his family and the entire Twins' organization during this difficult time.

Our deepest condolences go out to all those who knew Paul Bargas.

(Image courtesy of Minneapolis Star-Tribune)