give it up. Multiple doctors have told him that its over. Only he and his agent are still under the impression that he may be able to play. (and i don't think axelrod even believes it anymore)
I'm not in any way saying he can still contribute or that he cannot play at all. It's not looking good for the guy, but you or I or anyone else except for himself knows whether or not he can play. All I am saying is give the guy ample time to either rehab or figure out that pushing himself to play isn't the best life decision; he's earned it. Just let him decide on his own. It's really not a distraction anymore. Opening Day lineup is set and looks solid for the first month; say Bagwell is well enough to play some minor league games...I don't know whether or not that counts toward insurance, but technically he still wouldn't be an Astro at that point. And if he can't cut it at the minor league level, then he can figure it out himself. I just think it's real asinine for those who want him gone without giving the guy a chance.
By no means do I want him gone. One of the biggest deficiencies of our lineup is a batter who can make a pitcher work. Outside of Berkman, our lineup is a "K" machine. A semi-healthy Bag's could really benefit us in that regard as well as hopefully add some punch. Unfortunately, for the last two years, medical professionals have been telling Baggy that its over and that there is "no" surgery that will extend his career. He will ultimately have to have a full shoulder replacement just to have a less painful life after baseball. Its like a boxer that has taken one too many to the head still trying to make a comeback (paging evander holyfield). The time has come to let it go. Too much focus this offseason has been put on the Bagwell situation. IMO, there has been alot of negative publicity that the organization has taken when all they did was make an informed decision based on "expert" analysis. I don't see how this minor surgery is going to prolong anything other than his fading hopes and the adjoining controversy.
I think the Astros should hire an outside consultant to look at non-traditional forms of treatment...
first olajuwon and now bagwell. two dignified athletes not going out in a dignified manner. it doesn't matter in the long run but its not fun to watch while its going on.
Will miss the guy and appreciate all that he did...He knows it over... btw, on the way from lunch, I was listening to the radio and they were talking about roids and bonds and then mentioned Sammy Sosa, Rafael P., Bagwell , boone as people them may investigate...pathetic...
You mean like the one who told him, "You've got to do everything you can to see if you can play because if you don't, you're going to be kicking yourself"? Gotcha.
Can you link to even one? I've linked to one who says quite the opposite. Now, let me immediately qualify my remark with the fact that I doubt he'll be able to come back as well; it's just that I believe your statement is somewhat of an exaggeration.
Beyond that, looking at it from Bagwell's perspective, what's the downside to trying? Some dumbass fans thinking you suck for trying to do what you love? He has everything to gain and nothing to lose by trying to come back, slim as the chance may be.
Exactly. It's easy for us to say when a professional should leave, but it's not up to us to say. We expect these players to give 110% day in and day out for as long as they play and then we expect them to just be able to turn that switch off when we decide we don't want them around anymore?
I wouldn't say its we don't want these guys to be around anymore. and I agree its their call to say when they are through. however, just like we expect them to be professionals and give everything they have when they're playing, we also expect them to be professionals and know when to call it quits. it all has to do with being professional. professionalism is something all of us have come to expect from bagwell and biggio. that's part of their appeal.
And I believe he's handled it very professional. He requested to come to Spring Training, he's addressed the media all the way through the ordeal and done so with an even temperament, he hasn't gone out of his way to bash Drayton McLane or the Astros organization, he recognized his condition and approached management to let them know. People aren't realizing how much uglier the sound from Bagwell's camp could have been. I think he's been extremely professional, just as we've come to expect from a guy like Bagwell.
