Toggle navigation. Message posted on : - Bagwell deserves the opportunity to come back. This degenerative shoulder problem did not suddenly plague him last year. He has been dealing with it for the past four seasons. While it has progressively caused more and more discomfort read: excruciating pain for Bagwell, he has played through it, and -- while not hitting like his former MVP self -- has still had a top of the league OPS the last few years before the season.
He finally opted for surgery because he could not play first base, unable to throw a baseball. But, because of the different motion involved in hitting, he was still a very capable hitter. He would be no worse than he was the last few years before , when he was still a darn good though not great hitter. Possibly, this surgery will allow him to become really good again, if not a true top stud. There is zero reason to think he would not be a legit big-league first baseman, hitting wise.
He had the surgery because he physically could not play first base any longer. If he is capable not a terribly difficult threshold for a first baseman of playing his position read: able to throw from first to third without looking like my little sister , he WILL be good enough to be a legit big league first baseman.
This isn't a pity case or a hand out based on fan sentiment, team loyalty, or marketing though, in my opinion, Drayton hasn't made the shrewdest marketing move here. There is every reason to believe the guy can still hit. If the surgery did what it was supposed to - allow him to play the field - he will be worthy of suiting up and playing for the 'stros. Not just as a marketing gimmick, but as a legit productive asset to the team.
It all comes down to this: will the surgery allow Bagwell to throw from first to third? Pretty clear standard, I think. Also, pretty low threshold, which I think Bagwell can clear not to mention good marketing. I realize that is not chump change - if he can play the field [there is that clear, low threshold again] - he is worth it. Posted By : Marshall S. Message posted on : - Stephen - I understand your post, but I have to respectfully disagree with several of your points. It has been a long time since Jesse Jackson did anything substantive; yet, the man was extremely important in the 70's and 80's and said a lot of good things back when he was leading PUSH and running for President.
