Mike

Coolbaugh

Coolbaugh, a 13-year vet, is returning from Japan.

Coolbaugh, 32, hit .295/.368/.592 for Triple-A New Orleans last season. Even if the Astros move Morgan Ensberg or Mike Lamb, he’ll be a longshot to win a bench job in spring training.

The 33-year-old Coolbaugh would be quality Triple-A insurance, as always. He last appeared in the majors with the Cardinals in 2002.

Coolbaugh, 33, hit .281/.344/.512 with 27 HR and 101 RBI for Triple-A Round Rock last season. He’s strictly insurance. Expect him to play third base for Triple-A Omaha.

Unbelievable. Coolbaugh was knocked unconscious and CPR was administered to him on the field after he was struck in the forehead. The 35-year-old was still alive when he was put in an ambulance, but stopped breathing before arriving at the hospital. Coolbaugh, who played in 44 games for the Brewers in 2001 and the Cardinals in 2002, hit 256 career homers in the minors before retiring after last season. He had just taken the job as Tulsa’s hitting and first-base coach on July 3. He is survived by his wife and two children, with a third on the way in October.

Coolbaugh went 5-for-18 with three doubles, but he wasn’t considered for a bench spot. Either Norris or Tremie will back up Jason Buck at Triple-A New Orleans.

Coolbaugh spent part of last season in Korea before returning to the U.S. and hitting .259/.349/.442 in 42 games for Double-A Round Rock. He’ll probably play for Triple-A New Orleans this year.

Coincidentally, the veteran third baseman the Royals brought in last year, Chris Truby, also went down with a broken left wrist in spring training, costing him an opportunity to beat out Mark Teahen for a starting job. Unlike Truby, Coolbaugh wasn’t expected to make the team. He’ll miss six to eight weeks.

Coolbaugh’s chances of landing a roster spot were erased with the addition of Tyler Houston. Those of you playing Korean fantasy baseball should view Coolbaugh as a first-round pick.