I think this is worthy of a new thread. Jeff Bagwell, with his 2nd HR of the day, has just hit his 400th HR of his career. Congrats to Jeff... let the countdown to 500 begin.
Yep. Right now, he looks like he's turned back the clock to 1994. And this time, he has that ridiculous padding to prevent a broken hand. Looks like we need both of those bombs right now, too.
Bagwell HRs Propel Astros Past Reds 6-3 CINCINNATI - Jeff Bagwell homered twice to become the 35th member of the 400-homer club, leading the Houston Astros to a 6-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. Bagwell drove in Houston's first four runs as the Astros beat Cincinnati for the 10th straight time. The Reds have lost seven in a row at home, matching their longest skid since dropping nine straight in Cincinnati in 2001. Bagwell connected in the fourth and sixth innings off Danny Graves (4-10) to reach 400 homers. Bagwell moved past Dale Murphy (398) and Al Kaline on the career list. Hall-of-Famer Duke Snider is next up in 34th place with 407.
First Ballot Hall of Famer. When you grow old, you'll be able to say you were there for the prime of the best National League first baseman in history.
Anyone else hear Todd Helton speak at the All Star game? He said something to the fact that all first basemen should look up to Bagwell and appreciate the work ethic and love he brings to the game day in and day out, and that he deserved a spot on the team. Way to go, Bags!
helton is, w/o a doubt, the most overrated player in baseball. it's not even close. in fact, he may very well be the most overrated player in all of sports. his road numbers are, by any standard, pedestrian. in six years, his year road numbers (projected out to a full season) read like this: .280/27/92/.712. compare those with his coors field numbers: .378/42/142/.936. it angers me that helton's even mentioned in the breath as bagwell.
Props to Bagwell. I really get sick of some fans who constantly ridicule him and go as far to say he sucks. Just because the guy has had less then stellar playoff performances shouldn't take away from what the guy has done for the Astros during the regular season. He is the best Astro of all-time and fans should give him the credit he deserves.
I love Bagwell and am glad he got 400, however I think with his shoulder problem and the fact he doesn't have too many more years left on his contract, I'd say he won't get 500
Jeff Bagwell has 3 years left on his contract 2004, 2005, 2006 right now he would only have to average 33 home runs a year to reach it, so yes he'll hit 500. As i've said before, Jeff had his April slump in May/June. He's shown over the past week or two that he's getting back to normal.
Even if he doesn't hit 500, his career has been great. I'm just glad I've been here for the ride, and (though a little premature) I'm really glad he's a career Houstonian (unlike a certain other basketball icon...) Congrats Bags on 400 ! PS- I hate all those people that say he sucks. He's given his whole life to this organization and put 100% effort into it. Those ungrateful bastards...
Those numbers aren't exactly horrid- not all star caliber, but 27 HR and 92 RBIs isn't too bad. Coors isn't the notorious hitters' park anymore either. I recall something abut now keeping the balls in a humidifier so the altitude doesn't affect them. Apparently that was a big factor in them flying out of the park. Also, it's worth mentioning that Helton is one of the best defensive 1Bs in the league. Anyhow, if Bagwell gets 10 more bombs this year, he'll need 30 a year the next 3 years. That won't be easy as he advances in age, but fairly reasonable if he stays healthy. One bad injury, and that could seriously ruin his 500 chances. The question will be, if Bagwell's up near 490 or so, would he hang around, perhaps platooning even, to get ot 500?
The humidifier had only a minor effect on balls hit in coors - it's still a horrendous hitter's park.
If Bagwell can still hit 30 homeruns in his last year of his contract he shouldn't retire. Hopefully he will want to play for another year or two and sign a contract like Biggio did.
Ditto. He could go down as the greatest Astro ever when it's all said and done and he's done it all with 100% class. He's been playing hurt all year and as usual, you'll never hear him admit it. He's a Houston icon like Earl, Hakeem and Nolan. Someday we'll be telling our grandkids that we actually saw him play. BTW, Bagwell usually turns it up after the All Star Break, so hopefully today was a sign of things to come.
400 homeruns = great Possibilty of 500 = super Bring a World Series Ring to Houston = Hakeem Olajuwon level. Bagwell is freaking awesome, but until another player brings a championship to Houston, imo, it is Hakeem, and then everyone else.
If we didn't have Bagwell, I don't think we would have made the playoffs those four years. Bagwell sure does look like he's out of his half season slump. Hope his hitting doesn't fizzle back out like it did at the beginning of the season.
And to think that he would have pleanty more HR's right now if he didnt spend the majority/prime of career in the AstroDome. Anyways hes still the best astro ever, and ever since Ive been going to astro games hes been there at first base its going to be really weird when hes gone.
