Unjustified Criticism of Craig Biggio?

By Robert H. Kelly

As I was going through some press releases and reading other writer's columns, I happened upon an interesting piece by Shawn Hartlen writing on covers.com titled "Big league chew: Stumbling towards immortality"

Below is an excerpt from the article:

Biggio fast becoming unwelcome baggage

Sometime a player hangs around a little too long in order to reach a certain plateau that would assure him of elite status. Friends, say hello to Craig Biggio.

Biggio’s batting average has been in steady decline over the past few years and this year it has been downright embarrassing. Batting at a .219 clip as of today, he is slowly but surely creeping towards the 3000-hit club.

Barring injury Biggio is all but assured to make his goal, however Houston continues to bat him at the top of the order which is a direct correlation to why they are one of the lowest scoring team in the majors.

The Astros managed to get rid of a washed up Jeff Bagwell last year, too bad they didn’t learn from their own lesson.

In some ways, Mr. Hartlen is correct. Biggio is not the player he once was. But name me any player who got long in years in his career and was better than he was at his peak?

Almost everyone can name someone they fell was better at the end of their career then they were in their prime. I don't argue with that fact.

My point is Biggio is working hard towards a goal that will ensure his place in the Hall of Fame.

Are the Astros losing? YES!

Could they be playing better? YES

Could the pitchers be throwing the ball better? YES

Could the batters be getting more hits? YES

So what is the big deal with Biggio and his place on this team? NOTHING, I think.

Biggio achieving 3000 hits with the team he began his career with is a major milestone. He deserves his chance to shine, make the Hall of Fame, and give everyone to feel good about.

His play and quest for 3000 hits is mroe impressive and heartfelt than a certain "drug cheat" who is approaching the Major League Baseball home run record.

After the Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens defection to the New York Yankees, the fans need something to get excited about.

Not only do the fans need this, his fellow Astros need it. The city of Houston needs it. Major League Baseball needs it.

It is certainly a quest that is pure and honest, making us all feel great again, like kids rooting for their favorite players.

That is what this is all about. I guess Mr. Hartlen forgot what it is like to feel good about baseball. After all, baseball needs this after all the negatives it has endured in recent years.

Just some food for thought.