give me a credible link to where a doctor said he couldn't play and i'll acknowledge that he can't. i haven't seen such a PUBLISHED report yet, so i'm not going to go off and say he can't play, like some people. i'm going to make the assumption he can't until i see that a doctor says he can't. period.
EDIT: i'm NOT going to make the assumption he can't until i see where a doctor says he can't. period.
So if I understand you correctly, that was worth $17 million to you. Even though the Astros were swept in the World Series, it was basically OK with you because Bagwell was there to spark that rally in game 2 of the series which the Astros eventaully lost anyway. If that's your position then cool, let's keep him. But there should be no second guessing this move. If he's here and can't play then there can be no finger pointing at Drayton & Tim for not getting another bat because after all we are paying top tier money to a guy that can't help this team win. In the end the only thing that will matter is the Astros' won-loss record.
No, Hillboy, you're not reading me correctly. I was just disputing the contention that Bagwell "didn't help much" during his very brief return at the end of last year. I understand both sides of the Bagwell issue, and can't begrudge either party. We'll see how it plays out. They've stated that money was not an obstacle to acquiring players this offseason. They've stated that money will not be an obstacle to Racket returning to Houston. Of course $15M would help matters, but they were fully prepared to add significant payroll even without that money, evidenced by the potential Tejada deal. Was Bagwell worth $17M last year? Of course not. He won't be worth it this year either, but them's the breaks. I've never understood the fascination with payroll numbers, with throwing around other people's money while at the same time calling them cheap. I just don't care that much, I'm more concerned with what goes on on the field. As you said, "In the end the only thing that will matter is the Astros' won-loss record."
Interesting... I just watched Marc Berman on Fox26 and he had Berkman saying that he's "disappointed" in the way Bagwell is being denied his chance to at least attempt a comeback, and said that he knows for a fact Bagwell would be the "first one" to say if he can't play the way he needs to play, and should at least be given the chance to give it a shot. Interesting that our "franchise" player has publicly commented on this and came down on Baggy's side of things.
tiger i think if this gets any worse, there could be a problem amongst the management and players. this needs to be taken care of quickly before the astros management opens up a huge can of worms.
Berkman's not the one losing $15MM if Bagwell ends up saying no. Everyone would love to give Bagwell a chance to make it to spring training to see if he can play - that's not an option. A decision has to be made this week. The players don't seem to grasp that. Players come out against management all the time - then move on. Bagwell b****ed about how the team treated both Hampton and Kile. Everyone got over it, and they'll get over this too.
If you can't play, you can't play. Why not face it, get paid, and retire with dignity? You've got to know when to hold'em and know when to fold'em.
anyone hear richard justice this morning on 610? he may still be on but he said the astros are trying to collect on the 05 salary which is really stupid because he played in the playoffs.
yeah..i don't understand this at all. certainly they're not that stupid. certainly they have attorneys sorting through this and talking to the insurance company.
Man, I've heard this about a hundred times in the last several days, have been asleep?? I "googled" it, and the first link that came up is http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3607494.html. Read the article, and you'll notice that the opinions of both Dr. Andrews and Dr. Lintner (although the latter here is a team doctor) are that the man can't play at the professional level. Not that I'm against Bagwell having his shot, but your contention that no doctor has said anything about his condition is unfounded. And, I only searched for about 2.5 seconds. There are lots more links if you really want them.
I don't see why this would be stupid. It depends on the language in the policy. I think all of us try to squeeze every last dollar out of the insurance companies when it comes to our cars, health and home so if there is a chance they can recoup something based on the language in the policy, they ought to try and recoup. It would be fiscally irresponsible for the team not to explore all avenues available to them on a policy they have been paying premiums on. I think it is safe to say that NONE of us know what's in the policy considering the public posturing by the Astros seems to indicate that even they are unsure as to what benefits may be available.
When would the 'stros likely know if the insurance is to be paid on Bags' contract? Would it, if it came to pass, be used for an ostensible trading deadline salary dump pick up? Or would Uncle DMc just hold it back?
I hope Rocket returns, but not before June or even ASG. His body won't hold out as long as DMac's $ $ $.
No, I meant the Astros wanting to get paid...Bagwell has a guaranteed contract and will get paid, its just who pays it the insurance or the Stros... I commend him for wanting to, but if you can't, you can't...Time to hang them up...
Those are 2 reasons why I don't think the Astros will collect this money. He CAN contribute....he cannot contribute to the tune of 17 million...but a lot of guys in the league are overpaid...he will just be another. I don't know a whole helluva lot about the insurance biz, but it seems pretty cut and dry to me....he played AND produced LAST YEAR...not to mention that if its last years money they want, theres even more reason as to why they wont collect
