Biggio's Farewell Tour Officially a Novelty Act

I don't think he gets the national respect he really deserves (and his performance this year hasn't helped any) but Craig Biggio has truly had a remarkable career. He broke into the majors as a catcher before becoming a four-time Gold Glove winner at second base and then a (barely) serviceable center fielder. His career has truly gone full circle, though, as he's been back at second base the last few years and will return behind the plate for at least an inning or two on Saturday. From MLB.com:

Biggio originally had planned to catch Roy Oswalt on Friday, but after the right-hander shut it down for the year, Biggio turned to [Brandon] Backe, for two reasons. He doesn't throw too hard, and he figured Backe would get a kick out of pitching to someone he admired as a young Astros fan in the late 1980s and '90s.

Biggio was right on both counts.

"I guess it's kind of fitting for someone that grew up watching him as a catcher, and basically throughout his career," Backe said. "To be able to pitch to him ... that would be in a way pretty special to me. I don't know who's getting the better end of the deal, him or me, but it should be pretty interesting and I'm excited."

I can understand the sentimentality involved, but it seems a bit contrived. I guess it's really not a big deal considering the Astros are assured of finishing no higher than fourth in the NL Central, and their opponent, the Braves, are also on the outside looking in to the playoffs. But if this game is truly a meaningless exhibition, why not let every player try a different position? Put Carlos Lee on the mound, Lance Berkman at shortstop, Brad Lidge in center field. Heck, hold a fan raffle for the right to play left field for an inning. The final score may resemble a beer league softball game but at least it'd give the fans a reason to show up.