Chron's breaking news at the top of the front page states that the Astros have activated Jeff Bagwell. It also says that details will follow.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3347010 Bagwell is back: Houston activates 1st baseman By RICHARD JUSTICE Jeff Bagwell is back. At one point several weeks ago, he wondered if his baseball career might be over. It's not. The Astros activated the best offensive player they've ever had a few hours before tonight's game at Milwaukee. He hasn't played since May 3 when a sore right shoulder forced him onto the disabled list. He eventually underwent shoulder designed to lessen the pain in the area. Bagwell, 37, has had such a tough time regaining strength in the shoulder that he openly wondered if he'd play again. He's far from being what he once was. He won't be able to play first base, meaning he'll be limited to pinch-hitting duty. With 449 home runs, 1, 525 RBIs, he at least gives the Astros a player of stature in these closing weeks. With 23 games remaining, they led the National League wild-card race by a half-game over the Florida Marlins. After three games in Milwaukee, the Astros return to Minute Maid Park on Monday for a four-game series with the Marlins. After that series, the Astros play 14 of their final 16 games against teams with losing records.
Just the threat of having Bagwell pinch hitting may alter the opposing manager's decisions on whether to bring in a reliever or intentionally walk a given hitter. And Scrap Iron gets a proven RBI bat who's anxious to show he's got something left.
Glad to see that he is back. Would love to be in attendance at MMP when he returns for his first at bat there. I am sure he will get a great ovation.
I missed his AB. Oh well. I was busy and returned to the game right after our batting, and the end of Clemens. I would also love to be at the home game where he bats for the first time at MMP since the surgery.
No. Chronicle had this to say. He's far from being what he once was. He won't be able to play first base, meaning he'll be limited to pinch-hitting duty.
I'm not sure it is worth it to have an ailing Jeff Bagwell as just a pinch hitter. I would much rather have someone who is healthy pinch hitting. I feel like Jeff may actually hurt us in this role. Did he rush back just to be in the role of a pinch hitter? I would much rather him have just stayed out until he could play first base again. If he cannot play first place again and/or hit for power again, then he should retire. Bagwell has always been a power hitter and now their talking as if we want him for his singles in a pinch hitting role? I don't get it. It seems like it is all a pipe dream for Bags now. Hey...look...Bags is back. Oh...not really.
I get your point, but I have to point out that when Bags was in the minors, he was exactly that--a light-hitting, high-average guy who made a lot of contact. He didn't start pounding dingers until '91, believe it or not. What I want to see this year: a pinch-dinger. But, I'm just a sappy Bagwell/Astros fan and I admit it!
Currently, our best pinch-hitting right handed batter off the bench is Eric Bruntlett. Last night, he was starting. I do believe Bagwell can make an impact in this role... and its not just for "publicity" stake. He has a great knowledge of the strike zone, he's always had a decent OBP, he's got great career averages against lefties, and he just may be able to get the occasional big hit for this team when they need it. The possible positives far outweigh the negatives (taking pinch hits away from Bruntlett)... so there's no real reason to argue against this. Its not like Garner will go out of his way to get Bags into the game just so he can play... it will only be in ideal situations (just like last night, when Clemens was clearly done, and he had a chance to get some runs while it was still relatively early in the game).
