Take the money and run

This here’s a story about Jeffrey Bob and Phil Gar (five hand claps)

Jeff Bagwell is expected to show up for practice at the Astros training in Kissimmee, Fla. tomorrow. The questions on whether the team will let him play are still up in the air.

Astros manager Phil Garner said Wednesday he wasn't looking to see any immediate proof that Bagwell was ready.

"Just get the uniform on, come out, take a few ground balls, swing the bat, just like anybody else," Garner said. "I don't, for the first four or five days, look for guys to be going full-bore."

Bagwell is still rehabilitating from his shoulder surgery last year, which caused him to miss over 100 games. He hasn’t been the same since. However, he did score a run at the World Series.

Whether he plays or not, Bagwell will still earn $17 million this season, and because of an insurance claim filed last month, the Astros can recoup over 90 percent of his payout if he retires or is found to be disabled for the season. Bagwell will always be a hero in Houston baseball – he’s responsible for many great seasons. Houstonist just wonders if it’s time for him to take the money and run.