Bogusevic-tory Needed in Houston

This off-season is much needed for the cellar-dwelling Houston Astros, but for players like Brian Bogusevic, it may be good news.

Brian Bogusevic/AP images

By Andrew Muckell

Seven years ago a young Brian Bogusevic stepped off the muddy diamond of Tulane University a pitcher and a first round draft pick. Bouncing around the Houston Astros minor leagues for three years, Bogusevic switched from pitching to the outfield, and every spring he spends some time with the team in Kissimmee, Florida, displaying his talents. Two years ago he first came up to the Big Leagues but batting a meager .179 in the last 19 games of the 2010 season, Bogusevic proved very little reason to be recalled.

After a rough start to his 2011 season, Bogusevic started to turn it on late in later games. After OF Hunter Pence moved to the Philadelphia Phillies, Bogusevic was given the chance to play and made the best of the opportunity, batting .287 with four homers and 15 RBIs. The high point of Bogusevic’s career came on August 16, when he capped off Houston’s impressive comeback with a walk-off grand slam against the Chicago Cubs.

The 2011 season and the Astros are very important for Brian Bogusevic for a few reasons. Although last season the ‘Stros played historically worse than any other team statistically, Brian had an opportunity to adjust to Big League opponents in a less competitive market like Houston. The environment of the Astro Dome and the lack of talent on Houston gave Bogusevic a chance to showcase himself on a higher stage, whether that is good news for the Astros or another prospective team.

Bogusevic is reportedly confident this season going into spring training, despite the struggle to win the right field job from former Oakland A’s OF Jack Cust and prospect J.B. Shuck. Bogusevic improved his swing in the Dominican Winter League this off-season, batting over .270 against lefties and an overall average of .317. If Bogusevic can carry over momentum from this past season and bring it into 2012, there is hope for the Astros yet. Houston would love to find young players to build on for their future in the American League. After all, they are supposed to be stars.