Thursday, February 02, 2006

Astros Treatment of Jeff Bagwell is Atrocious

It is no wonder that baseball players are no longer loyal to their teams and to the fans. They should jump at the opportunity to make more money and be cheered on by different fans, if all the teams are like the Houston Astros.

Since 1991, Jeff Bagwell has played first base for the Houston Astros. He has turned down more money to play for other teams. He has played with Craig Biggio, another Astro since 1988. Together they were the B&B boys in Houston. They stayed with the team through thick and thin, and are the last of a rare breed who have played their entire careers (so far) with a single organization. Like Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr before them both Bagwell and Biggio have been outstanding citizens, who never brought any negative publicity to the city of Houston or the Astros organization.

Early last season Bagwell reinjured his arthritic left (throwing) shoulder limiting him to only 39 games. He was a non-factor in the playoffs, but was there rooting for "his" team. He was still part of the Astros only World Series appearance, something that he and Biggio had waited for their entire careers. In spite of not winning the big one, they had achieved their dream together. He has spent the entire off-season rehabbing, with the hope of playing 1b for the 'Stros on opening day this April, as he has done for some many years now. So what is the problem?

How has the Houston organization rewarded this loyalty to a time tested employee? The team is trying force Bagwell to retire, so they can collect an insurance premium which will cover his salary for this year, rather than allowing him to come to spring training to see if he can play and make a contribution to the defending National League Champions. It is understandable that the Astros management is trying to do some risk management, but they are taking a PR beating and making the entire sport look bad.

I can understand this kind of move, if Bagwell had been a David Cone or Rickey Henderson or Roberto Alomar type mercenary, who just comes for the money and leaves, but he isn't. This is the Houston Astros that was supposed to be like family, they attracted Andy Pettite from the Yankees and Roger Clemens from semi-retirement to their family. Now they go and disrespect one of their best citizens. Why would any other player ever want to sign a long term contract with this team, under this management group?

It is a travesty and a shame that this is how a classy guy like Bagwell's career in Houston is going to end. The relationship between the two is seriously damaged and will probably never be repaired. I have no idea if Bagwell can play or throw anymore. Some say yes, some say no. It really does not matter anymore does it. The damage is done and the Houston Astros look terrible, because they are looking cheap. Disgraceful.

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