An Impostor on the Roster?

If Phil Garner and Tim Purpura truly believed when they decided to include Jeff Bagwell on the Astros' postseason roster that Bagwell's inclusion was merited and not just an honorary spot, then one would think that Baggy would be used as a pinch-hitter in spots like the bottom of the 9th inning last night. In particular, I'm thinking about Garner's use of Viz as a pinch-hitter in the 9th against Jason Isringhausen. Sure Viz has decent numbers in his career against Izzy, but we're talking about a dozen stinking at-bats, and to that extent, Baggy's been nearly as good (5-15 with a HR and 6 BB). Viz has been terrible at the plate in the postseason (0 for 7 now), and that's not a new trend (8-42, .541 OPS in September). It's a one-run game, and no matter the extent of Baggy's shoulder woes, one must think that the odds of him tying up the game with one swing are considerably as good as Viz's. Plus, Bags is a notoriously above-average baserunner, making him all the more valuable should he coerce a walk from the Cards' closer.

If last night was not 'the right time' to use Houston's most beloved 1B, then there is simply not going to be a 'right time'. Luke Scott would be a much more valuable asset; heck, if you're not going to dust him off, you might as well bring back this guy.