Thought it was interesting from Peter Gammons notes that he thinks the Rangers and Astros will pursue Roger Clemens. http://espn.go.com/gammons/s/2002/1102/1454708.html <I>The Yankees will try to re-sign Roger Clemens, but expect that either Rangers owner -- and fellow Longhorn -- Tom Hicks or Astros owner Drayton McLane will make a serious run to keep Rocket home in Texas for his 300th win. As for the Yankees, GM Brian Cashman believes he has a five-man rotation in place -- Mike Mussina, Jeff Weaver, Andy Pettitte, David Wells, El Duque -- before they look around at the marketplace for a Jamie Moyer, Glavine or even Contreras.</I> Can't really see it. I would think all is not forgiven between the 'Stros and Rocket Roger.
It would be nice to see Clemens finish his career in Houston. I would like to see it too because it would work out perfectly salarywise. We could sign him for 1 or 2 years and when he retires we could use his money on Miller and Oswalt when they become free agents. Then again I heard that the Astros GM say that they would not pursue any big name free agents this offseason.
I would like to see Clemens in the mud n' blood this year, especially for his 300th, but with Gerry the Hun saying that the payroll wouldn't significantly increase, the Astros convinced they have the best farm system in the majors (especially pitching depth) and what happened LAST time the Astros talked to Clemens ($25 million balloon payment? WHAT?!?!?!) I doubt the 'Stros will seriously pursue him. Even if Shane ($9 million) comes off the books, the Astros said they would pursue Loretta and Gordon. Leaves very little wiggle room, unless The Wallet loosens the purse strings. I think we can all figure out THOSE odds.
Bear in mind that Clemens receives around 10 million from the Yankees this year. He signed a 2-year 30 million dollar contract with New York and a stipulation was that the payments would be spread out over 3 years. If Clemens treats that as his salary base for 2003 then the Astros would have a chance to sign him for a "nominal" amount. If Clemens treats that as money made for 2001 and 2002 (which it actually is) and expects another 10 million or so, then the Astros have little chance of signing him. In addition Clemens is around 40 years old and would be a sitting duck in the batter's box. If he does return to his Texas roots, I'd bet on the Rangers and the AL.
So, Drayton is willing to take the padlock off his wallet to sign a 40 year old Roger Clemons? Stupid move. Let somebody else waste their money. Clemens does not have the staying power of Nolan Ryan. The Astros' signing him would be a mistake. If Drayton wants to start spending money (and he should...we built him a new stadium, dammit), there are free agents out there that would help the Astros more than Roger Clemens. Pitching isn't the Astros problem. Third Base, Shortstop, and the Outfield (minus Berkman) are the Astros problems. If Drayton is finally going to spend some money, fix the problems on the team rather than make a sentimental move by bringing Roger Clemens to Houston.
Actually, since tourist taxes pay for much of the stadium, perhaps Drayton should spend less money since many fans of other teams who visit Houston are helping to pay for the ballpark.
We do have good pitching, granted, but Having Clemens in there instead Milicki is a big difference over the long haul. It was Oswalt and Miller down the stretch last year. That was pretty much it. So I think adding a .500 starter will make all the difference.
A friend at work who is a huge baseball fan says the Yankees will be responsible for a big chunk of Clemens salary next year no matter where he plays. If this is true. I think signing Clemens is a no brainer.
I have to agree...if he signs him I think it's less of a baseball move and more of a public relations move. Which might be a good reason to do it, given the Houston sports market right now (new Texans team and the Yao odyssey!). But position players are what this club really needs right now...good position players.
It would be nice for him to come and finish his career at home, but you know the Yankees will do everything to make him stay, and you all know that he will stay in New York.
