Maroon87
01-27-2006, 01:39 AM
Bagwell's status uncertain as Ensberg rises to everyday role
By Alyson Footer / MLB.com
HOUSTON -- For much of the past decade, first base has belonged to one player, while third base has been a revolving door of platoon options and temporary solutions. But heading into 2006, there has been somewhat of a role reversal -- first base is anything but set in stone, while third base belongs to only one man.
Jeff Bagwell has hopes to return to his position at first after playing only 24 games there in 2005. Entering the final year of his contract, Bagwell and the Astros appear at a crossroads as the two sides are clearly in disagreement about the first baseman's chances to be productive this year.
If Bagwell cannot or does not play, Lance Berkman would move to first base and likely stay there for the remainder of his Astros tenure. Berkman was a decent outfielder, but considering he's turning 30 and has undergone major reconstructive knee surgery, he's probably best suited for first base, where he played in college. Only Bagwell's presence required Berkman's position switch once he was drafted in 1997.
At third base, there is no controversy, and no question about who will man that corner position in 2006. Last year, the Astros handed the job to Morgan Ensberg, minus a platoon partner, from day one. Ensberg responded with a breakout season, leading the team in home runs (36) and RBIs (101), while earning his first All-Star selection.
"Obviously, with a corner infielder or a corner outfielder, that's one of the main ingredients," general manager Tim Purpura said. "[Ensberg is] someone who drives in runs and hits for power. He gives stability at that position."
Ensberg ascended through the Astros' Minor League system as one of the club's top prospects, but it took a while for him to establish himself as the everyday third baseman, for a variety of reasons. He struggled offensively in 2002 after being named the Opening Day third baseman and was sent down after two months. In 2003, he reached 25 homers in 127 games, and it looked like he was finally coming into his own.
But his offense suffered in the first half of 2004, and it took him three months before he hit his first home run. It wasn't until the season was over that it came out that Ensberg had been playing with a sore elbow for much of the year.
It came as no surprise when a healthy Ensberg put together a full season of terrific offensive numbers while establishing himself as a fine defensive player at his position in 2005.
That's not to say he was injury-free. Ensberg was hit by a pitch on his right hand just as the Wild Card race was moving into full force early last September, and what started as a one- or two-day absence from the lineup turned into a two-week recovery period. When Ensberg returned to the lineup, it was clear that he wasn't playing with full health.
After an offseason of rest, the Astros do not anticipate Ensberg's hand issues lingering into the new season.
"Two years ago, he was on course, and then had some injury issues the next year that held him back," Purpura said. "He had a good year last year, and these days, the key to this coming season is to build on what he started last year."
By Alyson Footer / MLB.com
HOUSTON -- For much of the past decade, first base has belonged to one player, while third base has been a revolving door of platoon options and temporary solutions. But heading into 2006, there has been somewhat of a role reversal -- first base is anything but set in stone, while third base belongs to only one man.
Jeff Bagwell has hopes to return to his position at first after playing only 24 games there in 2005. Entering the final year of his contract, Bagwell and the Astros appear at a crossroads as the two sides are clearly in disagreement about the first baseman's chances to be productive this year.
If Bagwell cannot or does not play, Lance Berkman would move to first base and likely stay there for the remainder of his Astros tenure. Berkman was a decent outfielder, but considering he's turning 30 and has undergone major reconstructive knee surgery, he's probably best suited for first base, where he played in college. Only Bagwell's presence required Berkman's position switch once he was drafted in 1997.
At third base, there is no controversy, and no question about who will man that corner position in 2006. Last year, the Astros handed the job to Morgan Ensberg, minus a platoon partner, from day one. Ensberg responded with a breakout season, leading the team in home runs (36) and RBIs (101), while earning his first All-Star selection.
"Obviously, with a corner infielder or a corner outfielder, that's one of the main ingredients," general manager Tim Purpura said. "[Ensberg is] someone who drives in runs and hits for power. He gives stability at that position."
Ensberg ascended through the Astros' Minor League system as one of the club's top prospects, but it took a while for him to establish himself as the everyday third baseman, for a variety of reasons. He struggled offensively in 2002 after being named the Opening Day third baseman and was sent down after two months. In 2003, he reached 25 homers in 127 games, and it looked like he was finally coming into his own.
But his offense suffered in the first half of 2004, and it took him three months before he hit his first home run. It wasn't until the season was over that it came out that Ensberg had been playing with a sore elbow for much of the year.
It came as no surprise when a healthy Ensberg put together a full season of terrific offensive numbers while establishing himself as a fine defensive player at his position in 2005.
That's not to say he was injury-free. Ensberg was hit by a pitch on his right hand just as the Wild Card race was moving into full force early last September, and what started as a one- or two-day absence from the lineup turned into a two-week recovery period. When Ensberg returned to the lineup, it was clear that he wasn't playing with full health.
After an offseason of rest, the Astros do not anticipate Ensberg's hand issues lingering into the new season.
"Two years ago, he was on course, and then had some injury issues the next year that held him back," Purpura said. "He had a good year last year, and these days, the key to this coming season is to build on what he started last year."