Baker says he is fully vaccinated
In November, as flu season neared, Dusty Baker received a warning from Houston doctors. The physicians worried for Baker’s health if he fell ill with the flu, especially given his many underlying conditions. Coupled with the continuing coronavirus pandemic, Baker faced a choice.
He sought protection from a source he’d long ignored. At 71, Baker received the first flu vaccine of his life before leaving Houston for home in California. Within weeks, the first COVID-19 vaccine was introduced to eligible groups. Baker harbored initial reluctance until watching the news one evening.
“I saw an African-American doctor, and he said he was on the board of the vaccine and guaranteed this would not be another Tuskegee experiment. That’s what convinced me to go get the vaccine,” Baker said Thursday. “I was very wary of the experiment, and so was my mom and dad. I was a little leery about getting the vaccine until I saw the number of deaths and the number of people that got sick all over the world.”
Friday will mark two weeks since Baker received his final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. He advocated for inoculation during a virtual media availability Thursday, just before the Astros’ first workout for pitchers and catchers at West Palm Beach, Fla.
Baker acknowledged his initial hesitance is shared among many in the Black community.
His 90-year-old mother refuses to get the COVID-19 vaccine. He did not begrudge her decision but offered perspective for those who remain skeptical.
Baker starred in some public service announcements in California to spread his message.
“It’s up to the individual,” Baker said. “I’m not going to try to convince those who are staunchly against it, but those who are on the fence or on the bubble, maybe my words will sway them one way or the other. I’ve been watching closely the NBA. Some are for it, some are not, just like I wasn’t for the flu vaccine until the Houston doctors gave me the flu vaccine before I left.”
Baker, a 71-year-old cancer survivor with past heart issues, was eligible to receive the vaccine under California’s current parameters. In its operations manual for the 2021 season, MLB and the players union “strongly encourage” players or staff to receive the vaccine.
Baker’s vaccination did not prevent further procedural requirements and testing once he arrived in West Palm Beach. Some medical work meant Baker had not even seen his team or been on the field by the time he addressed reporters early Thursday morning. He had blood drawn as part of the league’s intake procedures but now can proceed with much more comfort than in 2020.
“I’m just telling people you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do,” Baker said. “But my suggestion is those who are on the fence, get the vaccine.”
Click says further additions possible
On the morning of his team’s first spring training workout, Astros general manager James Click acknowledged the club could “create some competition” with more outside additions.
“We’ve accomplished a lot of goals we set out for ourselves this offseason in order to put this roster in a position to compete for a championship,” Click said Thursday. “We’re never going to stop looking for ways to upgrade. And a lot of times, creating a little extra competition in camp is good for everybody.”
The Astros can create two vacancies on their 40-man roster by placing injured pitchers Justin Verlander and Josh James on the 60-day injured list — a move not allowed until spring training begins. Houston’s payroll is estimated at $196,457,977, according to Cot’s Contracts, and the team has shown no willingness to exceed the $210 million competitive balance tax for a second straight season.
Still, a small army of free agents remains unsigned. Veteran starters Jake Odorizzi or Taijuan Walker could answer some of the Astros’ questions surrounding starting rotation depth. Center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. remains unemployed as well.
Click’s “competition” comments, however, point to lower-key signings — perhaps more minor league contracts with invitations to major league camp. Houston has 72 players in camp and can have as many as 75.
“We’ll continue to keep our ear to the ground and see who’s out there and who can help us out, and sometimes that might be just creating a little extra competition in camp, and sometimes that may be areas we feel like we could use a little help in,” Click said. “By and large, we feel good about the roster that we brought in here, both on the 40-man and some guys off the 40-man.”
Pettis to return in regular season
Though his recovery from multiple myeloma is progressing well, Astros third-base coach Gary Pettis will miss spring training and rejoin the major league coaching staff during the regular season.
Pettis’ delay is “not related to the physical progress of his recovery,” according to the Astros.
“I’m doing very well, but my doctors felt that due to some potential logistical issues caused by the ongoing pandemic, it made sense for me to continue with my treatments here at home,” Pettis said in a statement. “They are being cautious with me, which I understand. I’m doing great and will be back with the ballclub, but it will be later than we had thought.”
Pettis, 62, received his diagnosis last September and did not coach during the postseason. He attended some Astros games at Petco Park during the American League Championship Series against the Rays, watching from a luxury suite alongside owner Jim Crane.
Pettis is entering his seventh season with the Astros. He coaches outfielders and baserunning in addition to his thirdbase coaching duties.