Of the guys going in next, it seems like Clemens, Ripken, Henderson, Bonds, and Bagwell will be the most significant inductions. I think I'd be more than happy to see any of those inductions, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go. If I happen to be near town I might pop in. Although Bonds is going to be considered one of the greatest player ever by sheer numbers. And our kids will be talking about him one day like he's a legend. Hard to imagine.
Just caught on 610 that Jeff said he was taken out of context. I don't remember verbatim but he said what he meant was that he'd probably play out his current contract before deciding what to do next in his career. Chalk this one up to overeager journalists trying to get a scoop.
This was on BB 2Night and Gamons said he was done...Although, it was probably blown out of proportion, but with his arm, I hope he can last... I think he is one of the best 1st baseman ever...Who's up to replace him???
What do you mean by done? Berkman could always go back to first and we could bring up lane to replace him in the outfield.
Because he knows how to catch a baseball. Oh, and he does not have a limp arm! Playing first is easier than almost any position out there!
Why not leave Ensburg at third and put Berkman back at his natural position, as SSG suggested? Or even better yet, how about we keep him.
He meaning the person being discussed in this thread at length "BAGS", by hype I mean media attention. Boston would take him back in a heartbeat, maybe not for Pedro but its worth a try.
that's what i thought you meant...you meant hype during the time he was up in boston, i suppose? the bagwell to boston thing hasn't really been substantively discussed since 2000/2001. he was quoted in the boston globe saying how he wouldn't feel right playing for anyone but the astros...that he thought going to another team to win a title would be a cheap way out...that he wants to win a title here. he'll come back around..he always does. this slump isn't permanent.
It is a common misconception that 1st base is easy to play (I do realize that is NOT what you said). Bagwell is a tremendous glove man and, yes, his arm is very poor right now. Just because Ensberg can "catch a baseball" does not mean he can play first. It is an entirely different position requiring unique skills. The Astros would be weakened defensively if anyone in their organization other than Bagwell played first base for them at this time. He may have a problem throwing but he gets to more balls than almost any first baseman in the major leagues.
Each position is different, but I've often felt that in baseball the transition from one postion to another doesn't take that long and provides you with moderate success. The player is not going to be a gold glove, But capable. Maybe costing a team 2 or 3 games for a few years.
As the father of a first baseman, let me say that it really is not a tough position to learn. Once you get the footwork and positioning down, the hardest part is handling the bad throws, esp. throws in the dirt. There is not as much ground to cover, and not as many balls hit to you. I'd rather play first base than any other position. I usually throw my son about 30 low throws in the dirt (10 from 2nd, 10 from short, and 10 from 3rd) about 3-4 times a week during spring training, and 1-2 a week during the season. Beyond that, the rest is easy.
