O’Brien touts Bagwell, Astros

As a lifelong fan of the Red Sox, coach Bill O’Brien can’t get over them trading minor league third baseman Jeff Bagwell to the Astros for reliever Larry Andersen.

Bagwell is being inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday.

“First thing I’ll say is Bagwell should have been a Red Sox (star),” O’Brien said. “I’m from Boston, but I’m just kidding.

“I remember watching him, (and) he played the game the right way. He was a tough player. He came up with big hits and big plays in the field when the team needed it. He was very consistent.

“For the amount of time that he played and the production he had, it’s a long time coming for him to be in the Hall of Fame. I wish him the best, and I wish the Astros the best. They’re a hell of a team, and we’ve had fun watching them.”