The Houston Astros say they intend to file a $15.6 million insurance claim for Jeff Bagwell's injured shoulder for the purpose of ending the first baseman's career with the club. The Astros have until Jan. 31 to file the claim, after which Bagwell would be examined by the insurance company's doctors. Club officials want to know how productive they think he can be next season, and the insurance company could ask Bagwell to prove he can throw a baseball. Bagwell's agent told the Houston Chronicle he thinks no determination can be made until Bagwell returns to the field and attempts to resume his baseball routine for a 16th major league season. "I don't know how this thing could be resolved until deep into spring training or unless Jeff says, 'I can't continue,' " Barry Axelrod, Bagwell's agent, told the newspaper. "Jeff isn't saying that. He's saying just the opposite."