R.I.P. Roger Clemens

So Roger Clemens has rejoined the New York Yankees, choosing them over the Red Sox and the Astros.

I'll admit it. I wanted him. I loved the idea of a Schilling-Beckett-Matsuzaka-Clemens-Wakefield rotation. I also wanted the Yanks to not get him and their pitching woes to continue (well, at least it looks like Pavano needs surgery and might not throw a pitch for 12-18 months which might mean the Yanks just paid $40 million for five wins). However, Clemens chose New York over Boston and I have to say that I think it's for the best.

Clemens is perhaps the best pitcher ever. I really think that. But at 44, he can only manage 5 to 6 innings, and he'll be 45 when he hits the majors this year. Is he really worth a pro-rated 28 million contract? I think that he'll give the Yanks some quality innings, throw some K's and get a couple of wins. However, I don't think he's going to be lights out and I think he's going to put a further strain on the Yankees' already taxed bullpen. So in other words, I think he might help the Yanks get to the post-season but I don't think they'll have the bullpen rested enough to do much when they get there.

Of course the Yankees are 5 1/2 games behind the Sox and 4 1/2 games out of the Wild Card (sixth in the rankings). So, they need the help from Roger and they need it fast.

Meanwhile, I shall join Mostly Martha in the Clemens-is-dead-to-me camp, a viewpoint she's flirted with it since he left retirement to join the Astros and was cemented when he pitched his half season for them. I must admit that I had been always impressed with her steadfast feelings toward Clemens and now I must hope that her uncanny insight into baseball (referred to as 'the Touch' in our household) holds true.