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Report: Astros ask Bagwell to retire

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OSUBasketballJunkie

OSUBasketballJunkie

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1/11/06

Report: Astros ask Bagwell to retire



<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->Jeff Bagwell intends to play for the Astros this season, but the team isn't sure that's the best financial decision.
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The first baseman has played his entire career in Houston and leads the franchise in home runs (449) and RBI (1,529), but missed much of last season after shoulder surgery.

"Nothing is going to keep me from attempting to play baseball next season," Bagwell told the Houston Chronicle.

The team, however, wants him to announce he can't play anymore, he and agent Barry Axelrod told the paper. Then the Astros would be able make an insurance claim for $15.6 million of the approximately $17 million he is owed in 2006.

"We're trying to get some objective information," Astros general manager Tim Purpura told the paper. "A healthy Jeff Bagwell is what we want. If he can't be a full-time player, we have to figure out if we can collect on the insurance or not."

To that end, the team has asked Bagwell to visit orthopedist Dr. James Andrews on Thursday in Birmingham, Ala., the Chronicle reported. The deadline for the insurance claim is Jan. 31.

Bagwell isn't excited about the trip, and he's not ready to quit playing.

"There's no question in my mind I can hit," he told the paper. "It's whether or not I can throw for a full season. Everything has gone exactly the way I thought it should. I'm getting stronger. Am I able to throw 120 feet? No. Am I making progress? Very much so.
"I'm going to try and play baseball at spring training. There's no getting around that. Unless something major happens, I'll be there."
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No suprise here. Bagwell has been one of the best of the last 15 years, but his body is shutting down and he comes at a HEFTY price tag next year. I still remember when they got him from the Sox for Larry Anderson...talk about a steal!
 
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NFBuck said:
No suprise here. Bagwell has been one of the best of the last 15 years, but his body is shutting down and he comes at a HEFTY price tag next year.
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Yeah. Growing up as a little kid in Houston, Bags was by far my biggest sports idol. I hope that he can play a couple more seasons, so he can take a shot at 500 HR's, but if he really isn't capable of playing, then he should retire, so he doesn't tarnish his great career.
 
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BCSBust said:
Yeah. Growing up as a little kid in Houston, Bags was by far my biggest sports idol. I hope that he can play a couple more seasons, so he can take a shot at 500 HR's, but if he really isn't capable of playing, then he should retire, so he doesn't tarnish his great career.
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Unfortunately, way too many athletes don't consider this and end up tarnishing their careers. Great example of this would be my idol growing up Michael Jordan. Had he gone out with the shot that won them the National Title, I would have been much happier than him coming back and having a few mediocore seasons.
 
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Dispatch

3/26/06

Bagwell will start season on DL, says career may be over

Sunday, March 26, 2006


ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Houston Astros first baseman Jeff Bagwell said yesterday that he will start the season on the disabled list and isn’t sure whether he’ll return this year.

"I may never play again," he said. "It’s been 15 years with the Astros. I have to do what’s best for me, what’s best for the Astros and best for baseball."

Bagwell, 37, spent the spring in a contentious battle with the team while he tried to prove he could still play despite a chronically injured right shoulder.

"I came down to spring training to see if I could still make it as a first baseman with the Astros," he said. "There were times in the off-season where I felt like I could do this. But with the condition of my shoulder, I’m not going to be able to start the season with the Astros."

The Astros filed an insurance claim in January to recoup about $15.6 million of the $17 million Bagwell is guaranteed this season in the final year of his contract, arguing he is too hurt to play. For now he is on the 15-day disabled list. He must stay on the injured list all season for the Astros to collect their money.

Bagwell started several spring games at first base, but in two of those he left after two innings because of soreness in theshoulder. He hit .219 with two RBI but never had to make a tough throw.

"I’m going to be honest with myself," Bagwell said. "I’m going to be honest with the Astros. I’m out here in the condition where I can only play once every few days, and that’s not what I’m out here to do."

Bagwell, who made the announcement at the Astros’ spring training facility in Kissimmee, Fla., said he would consult with a doctor to see whether it will be beneficial to remove bone spurs from the shoulder.
Bagwell, a four-time All-Star, is the franchise leader in home runs (449), RBI (1,529) and runs (1,517). He is the only first baseman with 400 home runs and 200 stolen bases in his career. Bagwell has been the Astros’ first baseman on opening day the past 15 seasons.
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Dispatch

Baseball notebook: Astros retire No. 5 jersey, honor Bagwell

Monday, August 27, 2007 3:24 AM

Associated Press

The Houston Astros retired Jeff Bagwell's No. 5 jersey before their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates yesterday.
"This is an amazing day," said Bagwell, who played his entire 15-year career with Houston. "To have your number retired, I really can't believe it."

Continued.....
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