Rays/MLB

Bagwell says time may be up

By wire services
Published March 26, 2006

Jeff Bagwell acknowledged Saturday what the Astros told their insurance company weeks ago: The star first baseman is too hurt to play.

The multimillion-dollar question now is whether he'll ever be able to return.

Bagwell said he will start the season on the disabled list and consult with a doctor to see if it would benefit to remove bone spurs from his shoulder.

"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, perhaps the most popular player in franchise history, 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 offseason 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 he left after two innings because of shoulder soreness. He hit .219 with two RBIs 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 facility in Kissimmee, said he would only have the surgery if he received assurances it would help.

"There's a chance they could not do it," he said of the surgery. "You have to do everything you can to try and play. If not, you'll be kicking yourself."

Bagwell, a four-time All-Star, is the franchise leader in home runs (449), RBIs (1,529) and runs (1,517). He returned late last season and could bat but couldn't throw.

BONDS PULLED: Giants leftfielder Barry Bonds was scratched with a strained left elbow.

Team trainer Stan Conte stressed the move was strictly a precaution for the seven-time NL MVP, who's closing in on Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron atop baseball's career homers list.

Bonds went to the training room for treatment after taking batting practice before the game against the White Sox. He left Scottsdale Stadium quickly after treatment and wasn't expected back.

"He took a swing in BP today and felt a twinge in his left elbow," Conte said. "We're going to evaluate it as the day goes on."

A'S: Team doctor Jerrald Goldman cleared DH Frank Thomas for game action. Thomas, who played 34 games last season because of an injured left foot, is scheduled to play today against the Rockies.

MARINERS: Rightfielder Ichiro Suzuki might drop from leadoff to third after hitting there for World Baseball Classic champion Japan. "I always have been intrigued by Ichiro hitting third," manager Mike Hargrove said. "It is not out of the realm of possibility that it would happen here."

REDS: Right-hander Bronson Arroyo, the former Hernando High standout, said he felt a little out of place with his new team five days after being traded from the Red Sox. Jason LaRue quickly discovered Arroyo likes to shake off his catcher's signals. "It's going to take us a few times to get on the same wavelength as far as pitch selection and our approach to getting guys out," said Arroyo, who allowed six runs in five innings. "But it's good to get out there with him." ... Former Devil Rays outfielder signed Alex Sanchez a minor-league deal.

ROYALS: DH Mike Sweeney's return has again been delayed. Sweeney, who has 10 spring at-bats and has not played since March 9 because of a bone bruise in his left leg, was to play in a minor-league game today, but that has been put off to Monday.

TWINS: Left-hander Francisco Liriano, making his first appearance since pitching for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, gave up three hits and two runs in three innings against the Reds. ... Shortstop Jason Bartlett slightly strained a hamstring while running the bases in the eighth inning and came out of the game.

[Last modified March 26, 2006, 00:26:15]