Lance Berkman could be back with Houston Astros in 2013 - MLB News
Lance Berkman is currently a free agent and is looking for a team that is contender for the post season. Lance has not ruled out a return with the Houston Astros though. The 36-year-old was drafted by the Astros in 1997.
Lance made his debut in the Major League in 1999 with the Houston ball club and remained with them until 2010. The switch hitter made five of his six All-Star appearances as a member of the Astros. His playing opportunities in 2012 were limited and he eventually
ended up with a knee surgery in September. In the 32 games that he played in, he had a batting average of .259 with two home-runs and just seven RBI’s.
Berkman met Jim Crane, the Houston Astros’ owner and discussed a potential return to the Astros’ outfit. However, the matter is at a very early stage and nothing can be said for sure.
"He was just seeing where we were at," said Jim. "He expressed some interest in maybe working a deal out. We haven't gotten to that (contract discussion). I think his knee is still up in the air. So we've got to get that all worked out. It was a get-acquainted
meeting, really."
Currently, Lance is volunteering at his alma mater Rice in Houston as an assistant to the coach Wayne Graham. He has certainly shown interest as a coach in the long run and was all praise for Coach Wayne Graham.
“Coaching is something I want to pursue after I am done playing,” Berkman said. “If you have any aspirations to be a college baseball coach, the one guy you want to learn from is Coach Graham.”
Berkman will be taking online courses next summer and will be finishing his degree in about a year. He made several hitting records for Rice and was instrumental in taking them to their first College World Series appearance.
Money may also be a key factor on whether Lance will make a comeback to Astros or not. He has quite clearly stated that he will not be joining the team if he was offered a couple of million dollars. Although he is unlikely to get another $12 million salary
like he did with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2012, particularly as a 37-year-old with knee trouble, he would still be a candidate to make a fair amount.
Jim Crane also acknowledges this fact that Berkman has an interest and his eventual decision will most likely be guided by the sort of salary he will get. His knee situation will be critical as well. Crane also hinted that Lance may be the designated hitter
for the team, if he rejoins it.
If the Astros and Lance Berkman can come to terms, the ball club can greatly benefit from the hitters vast experience and ability to dominate pitchers.
Only time will tell as to whether this deal will go through or not.
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