Report: Astros ask Bagwell to retire

[Illusion]

Jeff Bagwell intends to play for the Astros this season, but the team isn't sure that's the best financial decision.

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' office 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."

[Illusion]

What a bunch of assholes. They want him to retire so they can collect on an insurance policy.

[clonecat]

Looks like they can sign Clemens for $15.6 million this year.

[bigboydan]

Bagwell wants to get those 500 homeruns badly, so i think he will try his damnest to achieve that accomplishment.

[bigboydan]

heres the latest on this one:

Astros intend to file insurance claim on Bagwell

By CHRIS DUNCAN, AP Sports Writer
January 23, 2006

HOUSTON (AP) -- The Houston Astros intend to file a health insurance claim on Jeff Bagwell's contract, arguing that the four-time All-Star is too hurt to play this season.

Bagwell is guaranteed about $17 million in 2006 whether he plays or not. But if he retires or is deemed unable to play, the Astros can file the claim by Jan. 31 and collect $15.6 million.


The 37-year-old Bagwell missed 115 games last season after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder. Doctors who examined him earlier this month told the Astros he's still not ready and the team decided to move forward with the claim.

"From a technical point of view, he is a disabled player. He can't play professional baseball. That's the opinion of Dr. (James) Andrews and Dr. (David) Lintner," Astros general manager Tim Purpura said Monday. "We have to where we go from here. We just don't know. For him to return to play every day in the National League would be an uphill climb."

Bagwell's agent, Barry Axelrod, did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment.

Purpura said the Astros and lawyers are still mulling what the insurance claim means. Bagwell is still scheduled to report to spring training on Feb. 24, but the claim might preclude him from coming.

"Those are things we are working through right now with our legal people, with our insurance people," Purpura said. "With any insurance policy, they're complicated. You can read them two or three different ways and get two or three different understandings."

Bagwell, meanwhile, has been undergoing intense rehabilitation since the NL champions were swept by the Chicago White Sox in the World Series. Axelrod said on Jan. 13 that Bagwell plans to play a 16th season.

But Purpura said the Astros had no choice but to file the claim.

"The thing about an insurance claim is it's basically a formality, it's filing paperwork," Purpura said. "It's the start of a process, not the end of a process. It's like me checking a box -- OK, file an insurance claim."

Bagwell returned from the surgery in September, but couldn't throw and was limited to pinch-hitting duty in the postseason, going 2-for-11.

While no longer the All-Star slugger he once was, Bagwell is still a fan favorite in Houston, where he's played his entire career. Purpura said the Astros understand the sentiment connected to their dilemma.

"There is nothing we want more than having the Jeff Bagwell of old out there doing what he can do," Purpura said. "But we're in kind of a difficult situation that involves the ability of the player, the rights of the club and also what he means to this franchise and this city.

"We all feel bad," Purpura said. "It's a difficult situation for everybody."