Now that we can start talking to Roger about a contract.. how much would you offer him to come back? We paid him 18 mil last year, but he has missed a month.. 12 mil, 15 mil, 18 mil?
It's not my money so I'd give him whatever he wants. We've been good for almost a decade now. I think that if you can keep your team at an elite level for .. this would be three years now, it goes a long way for the franchise. Free agents, media perception, all of it. In my mind, you have to win the world series this year. You think we can do it without Roger? If we get there and lose it... that would be... painful. Drayton can't be hurting that much, esp after what Roger gave him last year with all that revinue and pub.
Not really insider info but a tidbit.. saw an old friend this weekend who interns for the Astros. Her quote: "Yeah I think Roger's gonna come back, he's been calling up to the office a lot lately talking to Tim. I don't know if he's allowed to do that, but oh well."
Its going to be a long time before I really listen to "insider info" again... but in addition to the fact that Roger didn't even think twice about signing with another team, this little tidbit of info is decent news.
In my opinion, Mr. Clemens has earned the right to whatever he wants salary-wise. Before Roger signed with the Astros two seasons ago, no Astro playoff series victories. Since then: - Three playoff series victories for the Astros - An unprecedented trip to the World Series - A Cy Young and could have had back-to-back Cy Young awards if the Stros' could have offered more run support. - the pitching staff has shown significant development. I have no evidence that this can be credited to Clemens, but I'm sure Brandon Backe, Brad Lidge Wandy Rodriguez, and Roy Oswalt would all have good things to say about Roger Clemens' presence in regards to their careers - MMP attendace (and H-twon attendance for that matter) is at an all-time high. - George and Barbara rarely miss a game. So Mr. McClane, if Roger wants $20 million for 2/3 or 3/4 of a season, do it. If he wants conjugal visits from your daughter, do it. If he wants his son to get serious promotion consideration within the organization, do it. This is not just another player we're talking about here. This is a legend.....this is Roger Clemens and unlike our Texans, the Astros should not pass up such an opportunity.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3830537.html Astros to re-enter Clemens chase Associated Press CINCINNATI — The Houston Astros, eligible to re-sign Roger Clemens again starting Monday, plan to contact the agents for the seven-time Cy Young Award winner. "This opens up a window of opportunity for us," general manager Tim Purpura said today from Houston. "We have said that we are interested in getting Roger back. We would love to have him be a part of our team." Clemens spent the last two seasons with his hometown Astros, winning the NL Cy Young Award in 2004 and the major league ERA title last year. He pitched for the United States in the World Baseball Classic in March and though he considers himself retired, he hasn't ruled out returning. Houston, Boston, the New York Yankees and Texas are interested in signing the 43-year-old right-hander. "We'd like to have him back, but he's not a factor in our ballclub," Astros manager Phil Garner said before Sunday's game against Cincinnati. "We planned our ballclub without Rocket. He told us in the winter that he shouldn't be a factor. We're not waiting for him. We're not holding back." Under baseball's rules, teams can re-sign their former players who became free agents only through Dec. 7 (or Jan. 8 if offered salary arbitration), or starting May 1. Clemens is tied for eighth on the wins list with 341 and second in strikeouts with 4,502.
This was a done deal before they refused arbitration. The Astros probably came up with the idea. Drayton "Pssst...Hey Roger, how would you like to make your millions and only play about 2/3 the season, so you are fresher at the end?" Roger "hells ya !" Drayton "Ok here is what we are gonna do....." Roger "Got it, and I will pretend to talk to other teams too" Drayton "good idea" Roger "See ya in June" Drayton "Bank on it" DD
How much would you offer Roger? Remember Joe D's comment about FA and Steinbrenner? When asked about contract negotiations had FA been available to him, Joe D said, "Hello, Partner." Roger does.
