The Most Familiar Face

Not everyone on the roster is a stranger, of course. There are a handful of returning players -- Berkman, Oswalt, Pence, Ausmus, Lee, Loretta, Wigginton, Wandy, Williams, Borkowski. Just enough to give a sense of Astroness to the team. It's great to see them all on the field.

But there was one face that was the most welcome sight of all - Jeff Bagwell in the dugout, sitting with the coaches, giving batting advice to the Minor Leaguers at the practice fields. It's a little embarrassing to admit, but I got a lump in my throat when I saw him walk onto the field the first time. The last time I saw Bagwell in person was at Spring Training 2006, when he was trying so hard to make a comeback. By the time the season started, Bagwell had admitted that he would not be able to play.

I did see Bagwell a few times on TV (well, mlb.tv) during the past couple of seasons - when Biggio got his 3000th hit, when Number 5 was retired. But it's not the same as seeing him in uniform, out on the field, even if he's not playing. It's just so right to see him wearing Number 5, hanging out with the players.