| Ashok Ayyar. 14th February, 2006 - 7:32 pm
 RealGM is at the crossroads of business and sports (or so the saying goes), so in that spirit, let me begin this roundup by discussing the Jeff Bagwell situation.
Bagwell
Though Bagwell returned as PH in the postseason (and thankfully didn?t make enough plate appearances to drag the Astros down with him), he missed most of 2005 with a shoulder injury. The Stros front office is convinced that Bagwell cannot take the field, and will add no value as a hitter (as in October). That?s why they filed a disability insurance claim for $15.6 million out of Bagwell?s $17 million salary in 2006. The situation has caused unrest in Houston, as fans have lashed out against the organization?s disloyalty.
But we here at RealGM are paid in Valentine?s candygrams from our voracious readership to ignore the sentimental side and stick to business. Simply put, Bags is not worth $17 M, and his mammoth salary is a drain on resources the team needs elsewhere.
For the claim to go through, the insurance company must deem Bagwell medically unfit to play. The wrinkle in the process is that Bagwell remains intent on proving he can still play. If Bags plays AT ALL in the regular season, the claim goes bye-bye.
Free agency
The Bagwell conundrum has occupied the front office. With so much committed to a mostly useless player, the team is financially shackled. They did manage to acquire a good bat in Preston Wilson, worth 25 HR and 90 RBI last year. Wilson will join Jason Lane and Willy Taveras in the outfield. The infield is intact: Berkman at 1B, Biggio at 2B, Everett at SS, and 3B Ensberg is back for a modest $3.8 M.
Making the claim to recoup Bagwell?s salary is critical in re-signing someone of actual value, Roger Clemens. The Rocket has not decided if he will be back for 2006. Part of his decision will depend on his performance at the World Baseball Classic; if he pitches well, his return to baseball should be a lock.
The Rocket has been courted by many teams, including the Rangers, Red Sox, and Yankees. However, it is hard to imagine him pitching anywhere but Houston. For the last two years, he has enjoyed a special arrangement with the Astros whereby he doesn?t join the team when he isn?t starting, leaving him time with his family in Houston. This was a huge draw for him un-retiring two years ago (not to mention the free Hummer).
His ties to Houston are too numerous to ignore. On Saturday, the Rice Owls hosted the Texas Longhorns at Minute Maid Park, where Clemens threw out the ceremonial first pitch for his Longhorns, and Berkman for his Owls. It is precisely this kind of activity that will keep Clemens in Houston.
Spring training begins this Friday in Kissimmee, Fla. |
