From the Booth to the Field--Again

Jeff Bagwell's TV career (sitting in with Bill Brown and Jim Deshaies) on Saturday home telecasts is over. He joins former broadcaster Larry Dierker in moving from the booth back down to the field starting Friday in Pittsburgh.

Bagwell, the Astros all time home run king, replaces fellow former "Killer B" Sean Berry as the teams hitting coach. Ironic that at a time when Mark McGwire was in town with the Cardinals as that club's hitting coach, fellow icon from the same period, Bagwell, elects to return to uniform?

Bagwell has impressed Astro coaches and brass with his work ethic and willingness to try to teach young players how the game is supposed to be played.

None of this is a knock on Berry. GM Ed Wade and manager Brad Mills both emphasized that no one worked harder in trying to get the club out of its current position as having one of the worst offenses in major league baseball. Sometimes in this game changes are just necessary.

This was one of those times. Berry has been offered a chance to remain in the organization. He will take some time to think it over. We hope he will accept. Berry is a hard worker and value to the Astros.