GaryMrMets
12-23-2002, 01:00 AM
Biggio Says He's OK With Outfield Move
By MARK BABINECK
.c The Associated Press
HOUSTON (AP) - Craig Biggio has no problem moving to the outfield to get Jeff Kent's powerful bat into the lineup - and perhaps the Astros to the World Series.
Even if it means the longtime Houston second baseman must learn a new position at age 37.
``That is the professional approach,'' Biggio's agent, Barry Axelrod, said Thursday. ``It's good for the team, it's obviously a bat that helps the lineup.''
The Astros signed Kent to an $18.2 million, two-year contract on Wednesday with the understanding Kent will play second base. Biggio, who has held down the spot for 10 seasons, will move to either left or center field.
General manager Gerry Hunsicker was unable to reach Biggio during a furious few days of negotiations earlier this week because Biggio, who has spent his entire 15-year career in Houston, was incommunicado on a hunting excursion.
When Biggio left for his trip, Axelrod said the Kent deal was strictly in the rumor-mill stage.
``He had heard reports that Jeff may play third,'' Axelrod said, referring to early media speculation. ``He was a little confused because at first (Biggio) thought (Kent) was playing third, then he hears (Kent) is playing second and (Biggio) is going to the outfield.''
Axelrod agreed with the Astros' assertion that they didn't find a better second baseman, noting Biggio has earned four Gold Gloves at the position, but that Biggio is considered more versatile. Biggio began his career at catcher before moving to second, and he did play 50 outfield games in 1990.
Biggio is entering the final year of his contract, and Axelrod said he'd prefer to hammer out an extension before his client plays a season in foreign territory. Axelrod said he'd already had preliminary conversations on the subject before Kent even came up.
``We were concerned he'd be asked to make a significant career change in the last year of his contract,'' Axelrod said. ``We didn't want to make it a pressure situation'' where Biggio's earning power could depend on how quickly he adapts.
Biggio told the Houston Chronicle that he's all for making the move if Kent's arrival in the heart of the batting order makes the Astros a contending team.
``I've always said getting to the World Series is the ultimate goal,'' Biggio said. ``If we're getting the final person to get there, and I make the final catch in center field to win the World Series, I'm fine.''
Kent, 34, won the MVP award two years ago and hit .313 last season with 37 homers and 108 RBIs, helping San Francisco win its first NL pennant since 1989. Kent turned down a three-year offer from the Giants, saying he was more comfortable becoming an Astro.
12/19/02 18:05 EST
Copyright 2002 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
By MARK BABINECK
.c The Associated Press
HOUSTON (AP) - Craig Biggio has no problem moving to the outfield to get Jeff Kent's powerful bat into the lineup - and perhaps the Astros to the World Series.
Even if it means the longtime Houston second baseman must learn a new position at age 37.
``That is the professional approach,'' Biggio's agent, Barry Axelrod, said Thursday. ``It's good for the team, it's obviously a bat that helps the lineup.''
The Astros signed Kent to an $18.2 million, two-year contract on Wednesday with the understanding Kent will play second base. Biggio, who has held down the spot for 10 seasons, will move to either left or center field.
General manager Gerry Hunsicker was unable to reach Biggio during a furious few days of negotiations earlier this week because Biggio, who has spent his entire 15-year career in Houston, was incommunicado on a hunting excursion.
When Biggio left for his trip, Axelrod said the Kent deal was strictly in the rumor-mill stage.
``He had heard reports that Jeff may play third,'' Axelrod said, referring to early media speculation. ``He was a little confused because at first (Biggio) thought (Kent) was playing third, then he hears (Kent) is playing second and (Biggio) is going to the outfield.''
Axelrod agreed with the Astros' assertion that they didn't find a better second baseman, noting Biggio has earned four Gold Gloves at the position, but that Biggio is considered more versatile. Biggio began his career at catcher before moving to second, and he did play 50 outfield games in 1990.
Biggio is entering the final year of his contract, and Axelrod said he'd prefer to hammer out an extension before his client plays a season in foreign territory. Axelrod said he'd already had preliminary conversations on the subject before Kent even came up.
``We were concerned he'd be asked to make a significant career change in the last year of his contract,'' Axelrod said. ``We didn't want to make it a pressure situation'' where Biggio's earning power could depend on how quickly he adapts.
Biggio told the Houston Chronicle that he's all for making the move if Kent's arrival in the heart of the batting order makes the Astros a contending team.
``I've always said getting to the World Series is the ultimate goal,'' Biggio said. ``If we're getting the final person to get there, and I make the final catch in center field to win the World Series, I'm fine.''
Kent, 34, won the MVP award two years ago and hit .313 last season with 37 homers and 108 RBIs, helping San Francisco win its first NL pennant since 1989. Kent turned down a three-year offer from the Giants, saying he was more comfortable becoming an Astro.
12/19/02 18:05 EST
Copyright 2002 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.