Red Sox Ready to Go After Clemens.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

As if they didn't already have the market on aging pitchers....

 

Link.

 

According to a report in Tuesday's Boston Herald, the Red Sox are getting ready to present a serious offer to Clemens, who turns 44 in August. Included in their offer is a DVD video for Clemens in which Red Sox fans plead for the right-hander to return to Boston.

[USSoccer]

As if they didn't already have the market on aging pitchers....

 

Link.

 

According to a report in Tuesday's Boston Herald, the Red Sox are getting ready to present a serious offer to Clemens, who turns 44 in August. Included in their offer is a DVD video for Clemens in which Red Sox fans plead for the right-hander to return to Boston.

 

I'm stunned that there are Bostonians that want him there after all this time, and what he "did" to them.

 

That said, if it guarantees he's not in Houston, then I could care less.

[rocket]

i can't wait for bill simmons' article on this where he can reference popular movies

[E.J.]

Agreed. As long as he doesn't come back to the Astros I could care less where he played. I'd rather he'd just retire already.

[Diffusion]

Beckett, Schilling, Clemens, Clement, Arroyo, Wells, Wakefield, Papelbon, Lester?

[USSoccer]

Beckett, Schilling, Clemens, Clement, Arroyo, Wells, Wakefield, Papelbon, Lester?

 

That's a lot of starting pitching depth. Maybe they trade one of Arroyo/Papelbon/Lester?

[imb]

i can't wait for bill simmons' article on this where he can reference popular movies

 

its like saved by the bell, when zack and slater were friends, but then they fought, but then they were friends again.

 

yup, these are my readers

[Ding Dong Johnson]

They better make sure he has a DVD player.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

Beckett, Schilling, Clemens, Clement, Arroyo, Wells, Wakefield, Papelbon, Lester?

 

Papelbon and Lester are targeted for the bullpen. Wells will go to San Diego, it's just a matter of when and how. So that leaves just 5 starters plus Clemens--if he goes to Boston, you simply move Wakefield to the bullpen, or more likely, trade Clement.

 

Given that Beckett and Schilling are just as big injury risks for them as Prior and Wood are for us though, they would likely welcome having too many starters, anyway.

[CuseCubFan69]

If the Sox do sign Clemens do they have enough money to make AGonz the backup and go after Tejada? Or...is having this much pitching depth something they would want to give Clemens some extra time off?

[Diffusion]

Beckett, Schilling, Clemens, Clement, Arroyo, Wells, Wakefield, Papelbon, Lester?

 

Papelbon and Lester are targeted for the bullpen.

 

Not in the long term. Lester is a starter, and he could be ready mid-season. Papelbon it's not so clear, there's a decision to be made there, but he's ready now.

 

Wells will go to San Diego, it's just a matter of when and how.

 

Perhaps. But I don't think it's looking as safe a bet as it once was.

 

So that leaves just 5 starters plus Clemens--if he goes to Boston, you simply move Wakefield to the bullpen, or more likely, trade Clement.

 

But the bullpen is crammed enough as it is, so Wakefield to the bullpen shouldn't happen. Clement trade, quite possibly.

 

Beckett and Schilling are just as big injury risks for them as Prior and Wood are for us

 

Yes, that damn Mark Prior, massive injury risk, his stupid genetic predisposition to middle infielders and line drives.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

The Boston Herald thinks that Clemens to the Red Sox is a long shot. In fact, they seem to believe that the word around baseball is that if Clemens returns, he'll return to the Astros after May 1.

 

But the common belief throughout baseball is that even if the video had the story line of “Gone With The Wind” and the special effects of “The Matrix,” the 43-year-old will suit up for the Houston Astros or no one at all.

 

 

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

According to this Newsday article, Joe Torre believes Clemens will pitch and that it'll likely be for the Astros.

 

"My guess is he'll pitch," Joe Torre said yesterday. "You don't get yourself in shape to do what he's going to do now and then go home."

 

At a Manhattan promotional appearance, Torre didn't address the possibility of Clemens in pinstripes, but he spoke as though he would bet on a Clemens-Astros reunion.

 

"I think there's going to be a lot of people interested," Torre said. "Even going back to Houston, going back in May, I don't think is going to be any big deal for him. It'll probably benefit him, the fact that he won't have to pitch the whole time."

 

Clemens's agent said an announcement will be made after the WBC in March.

 

"There will be no final decision until after the World Baseball Classic," Randy Hendricks, Clemens' agent, wrote yesterday in an e-mail.

[Cubzfan64]

The word on Boston sports radio is that it is a major long shot that Roger would play for Boston - mostly just because he's near the end of his career and has already proclaimed that he wants to stay near family. That said, they think it's certainly worth the risk.

 

FWIW, Boston fans in general still really like Roger and think he got screwed over by the ownership when he left last time.

 

Nobody has spoken with Wells recently to find out his take on things, but he had originally requested a trade and left the word out there that if he wasn't dealt, he would retire. He makes a good chunk of $, so there's probably not alot of teams out there that would want him, but I'm sure the Sox are doing all they can to move him.

 

Clement didn't do much last year to cement any long stay in Boston. He had almost the best run support of a starter in the AL and yet only won 13 games and was a big disappointment in the 2nd half as well as the playoffs. If Boston can move him to someone like Cincinatti, I'm guessing they would do it.

 

Papelbon is definitely pitching for Boston this year - they would prefer him being a starter (and that's likely his long term role), but if he has to pitch relief, then it's likely he would be a set-up man for Foulke, or if Foulke falls apart again, Papelbon may even become the closer.

[Buford T Justice]

I thought we (the Cubs) usually had Clemens #. We ususally did pretty well against him.

[cl smooth]

does anyone else find it hilarious that the red sox would send a player a DVD with footage of fans asking the player to play for boston? the hell has negotiating come to?

 

can you imagine the cubs front office trying to sway a player to come to chicago by giving him a DVD with fans pleading for said player to come to the cubs? the newspapers would have a field day with the story. next thing you know, they'll re-enact a simpsons episode...

 

Jim Hendry: [whining] C'mon, join the Cubs!

MLB Player: No.

Hendry: I'll be your friend?

MLB Player: No.

Hendry: Aw, you're mean!

[cl smooth]

FWIW, Boston fans in general still really like Roger and think he got screwed over by the ownership when he left last time.

 

wait a sec, here...are these the same boston fans who booed him while he was a yankee and held up "(B)etrayal" signs when he came back to fenway as a blue jay? i don't know if i buy that, dude.

[USSoccer]

FWIW, Boston fans in general still really like Roger and think he got screwed over by the ownership when he left last time.

 

wait a sec, here...are these the same boston fans who booed him while he was a yankee and held up "(B)etrayal" signs when he came back to fenway as a blue jay? i don't know if i buy that, dude.

 

I was going to point this out. This is the same Roger Clemens that gained 30 pounds and showed up out of shape for his contract year, underperformed, and then magically got himself in better shape once he got a big paycheck in Toronto. That ticked the entire Boston fanbase off.

 

I doubt anyone but the most cerebral Sox fan would want him there.

[Cubzfan64]

FWIW, Boston fans in general still really like Roger and think he got screwed over by the ownership when he left last time.

 

wait a sec, here...are these the same boston fans who booed him while he was a yankee and held up "(B)etrayal" signs when he came back to fenway as a blue jay? i don't know if i buy that, dude.

 

I was going to point this out. This is the same Roger Clemens that gained 30 pounds and showed up out of shape for his contract year, underperformed, and then magically got himself in better shape once he got a big paycheck in Toronto. That ticked the entire Boston fanbase off.

 

I doubt anyone but the most cerebral Sox fan would want him there.

 

Believe what you want, but I live here and talk to ALOT of fans who have nothing but good things to say about Clemens and would welcome him back in a heartbeat. I also listen to Boston sports radio every day (damn 1 hour commute!!) and 9 out of 10 people calling in about the subject support getting him and hold no bitter feelings.

 

Roger was booed because he was a former player who joined a direct opponent (Toronto and then the hated Yankees). I'm sure there were some vocal folks who felt he betrayed them, but the majority of the people I hear believe he was incredibly disrespected by Duquette (sp?) publicly by stating that he was in the twilight of his career and out of shape and they didn't pony up the money for him that he was looking for.

 

All this is a moot point imho because I doubt seriously that Clemens would give playing for Boston even a moments thought at this stage of his career/life.

[JonnyRed]

wait a sec, here...are these the same boston fans who booed him while he was a yankee and held up "(B)etrayal" signs when he came back to fenway as a blue jay? i don't know if i buy that, dude.

 

Yeah, but remember that Chicago fans depised Rodman until he came to the Bulls. Then you had people buying his jersey for their little kids. That's the way it goes with "fans" these days...

[Tim]

The word on Boston sports radio is that it is a major long shot that Roger would play for Boston - mostly just because he's near the end of his career and has already proclaimed that he wants to stay near family. That said, they think it's certainly worth the risk.

 

FWIW, Boston fans in general still really like Roger and think he got screwed over by the ownership when he left last time.

 

Nobody has spoken with Wells recently to find out his take on things, but he had originally requested a trade and left the word out there that if he wasn't dealt, he would retire. He makes a good chunk of $, so there's probably not alot of teams out there that would want him, but I'm sure the Sox are doing all they can to move him.

 

Clement didn't do much last year to cement any long stay in Boston. He had almost the best run support of a starter in the AL and yet only won 13 games and was a big disappointment in the 2nd half as well as the playoffs. If Boston can move him to someone like Cincinatti, I'm guessing they would do it.

 

Papelbon is definitely pitching for Boston this year - they would prefer him being a starter (and that's likely his long term role), but if he has to pitch relief, then it's likely he would be a set-up man for Foulke, or if Foulke falls apart again, Papelbon may even become the closer.

I believe Hansen is scheduled for the setup role and possible closer if Foulke falters.

[daske17]

wait a sec, here...are these the same boston fans who booed him while he was a yankee and held up "(B)etrayal" signs when he came back to fenway as a blue jay? i don't know if i buy that, dude.

 

Yeah, but remember that Chicago fans depised Rodman until he came to the Bulls. Then you had people buying his jersey for their little kids. That's the way it goes with "fans" these days...

 

Well, yeah, but it also helped that Rodman helped bring a championship to Chicago. Bulls fans also didn't care for Charles Oakley when he was signed . . . and still didn't during his year here.

 

Championships in the midst of a drought washes away all sins, past and present. See Kenny Williams.

[Cubzfan64]

The word on Boston sports radio is that it is a major long shot that Roger would play for Boston - mostly just because he's near the end of his career and has already proclaimed that he wants to stay near family. That said, they think it's certainly worth the risk.

 

FWIW, Boston fans in general still really like Roger and think he got screwed over by the ownership when he left last time.

 

Nobody has spoken with Wells recently to find out his take on things, but he had originally requested a trade and left the word out there that if he wasn't dealt, he would retire. He makes a good chunk of $, so there's probably not alot of teams out there that would want him, but I'm sure the Sox are doing all they can to move him.

 

Clement didn't do much last year to cement any long stay in Boston. He had almost the best run support of a starter in the AL and yet only won 13 games and was a big disappointment in the 2nd half as well as the playoffs. If Boston can move him to someone like Cincinatti, I'm guessing they would do it.

 

Papelbon is definitely pitching for Boston this year - they would prefer him being a starter (and that's likely his long term role), but if he has to pitch relief, then it's likely he would be a set-up man for Foulke, or if Foulke falls apart again, Papelbon may even become the closer.

I believe Hansen is scheduled for the setup role and possible closer if Foulke falters.

 

Right now that's not the case unless there's more going on behind the scenes that I haven't been hearing about. Hansen is HUGELY targetted in Boston as a closer, but he really needs to develop another pitch and he showed last season while he was up that he definitely had talent, but that he shouldn't be rushed. I may be mistaken, but I think he was still playing college ball at one point last year. Being put into a closer role in Boston half way through the season for a guy with little to no minor league experience could be disastrous to him as well as the team and I don't think they want to rush him into that kind of spot unless he lights the minors on fire early.

 

The sports "insiders" speaking in the Boston area believe that Foulke will be given every opportunity to fail or succeed, but if he can't cut it, Papelbon is the odds on favorite to close. The Red Sox were extremely impressed with his poise and confidence last year - not to mention his "stuff" and they have every reason to believe he can be a closer in the short term.

[Omar]

I wonder what messages the video sent... "We assure you privacy in Boston."

 

"There's an even better first basemen this time around."

 

8-[

 

Kerry Wood

Roger Clemens

Mark Prior

Greg Maddux

Carlos Zambrano

 

A man can dream. =P~

[Careless]

FWIW, Boston fans in general still really like Roger and think he got screwed over by the ownership when he left last time.

 

wait a sec, here...are these the same boston fans who booed him while he was a yankee and held up "(B)etrayal" signs when he came back to fenway as a blue jay? i don't know if i buy that, dude.

 

I was going to point this out. This is the same Roger Clemens that gained 30 pounds and showed up out of shape for his contract year, underperformed, and then magically got himself in better shape once he got a big paycheck in Toronto. That ticked the entire Boston fanbase off.

 

I doubt anyone but the most cerebral Sox fan would want him there.

 

Believe what you want, but I live here and talk to ALOT of fans who have nothing but good things to say about Clemens and would welcome him back in a heartbeat. I also listen to Boston sports radio every day (damn 1 hour commute!!) and 9 out of 10 people calling in about the subject support getting him and hold no bitter feelings.

 

Roger was booed because he was a former player who joined a direct opponent (Toronto and then the hated Yankees). I'm sure there were some vocal folks who felt he betrayed them, but the majority of the people I hear believe he was incredibly disrespected by Duquette (sp?) publicly by stating that he was in the twilight of his career and out of shape and they didn't pony up the money for him that he was looking for.

 

All this is a moot point imho because I doubt seriously that Clemens would give playing for Boston even a moments thought at this stage of his career/life.

Admittedly, the sox fans I knew in my years in new england were generally above average in their knowledge, but I never met one who would have welcomed clemens back in a manner more friendly than, say, americans welcomed Wernher Von Braun.

Of course, that was half a career closer to clemens screwing them over with his laziness, so maybe time has killed their memories