Clemens back to NY?

[Dr. Cub]

Maybe this is already a rumor that is gaining some strength, but I thought I'd put it out there anyways. I was talking with a patient earlier this morning, who happens to "know people", and informed me he had some inside information. He said that Clemens was very likely going back to the Yankees, almost a definite. I've talked with this man about baseball before at length, and he's always been very knowledgeable about the game, I just don't know about this "inside information". However, he's not the type of person to pass on bogus information just to get a rise. So, take it for what it's worth. I thought it was interesting, and thought some of you might also. I don't normally do this kind of thing, but if this guy is wrong, you can pummel me. :wink:

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I guess it could happen, but I'd suspect he returns to Houston.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

I guess it could happen, but I'd suspect he returns to Houston.

 

I concur.

[JWCUB]

I hope he is right. Get Clemons out of the NL Central. :D

[Dr. Cub]

I guess it could happen, but I'd suspect he returns to Houston.

 

That's exactly what I thought, and said. He said he's source was an agent, but didn't name names. Like I said this man is not the type of guy to do this, but he seemed positive it was going to happen. Well see soon, I guess.

 

EDIT: If he is correct, he'll be getting appointments whenever he wants, no waiting. :D

Edited March 2, 2006 by Dr. Cub

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I'd much rather Clemens go to Texas, NY, or Boston and not pitch in the NL. But everything I read and hear seems to indicate he'll be back in Houston. No team can offer him the amenities that Houston can. Considering he has twice pitched to Houston minor leaguers, my guess is that his ties with that organization will keep him there.

 

Also, he could return for the Astros in June and be more rested.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

To me, this screams "I'll be back with the Astros"

 

Clemens said he might put off a decision until midsummer.

 

"I don't know what will happen down the road," he said. "I might be sitting around in May, June, July and all of a sudden, I'm looking at three or four teams that came down to talk to me already and gave me their pitch."

 

Link

[goonys evil twin]

To me, this screams "I'll be back with the Astros"

 

Clemens said he might put off a decision until midsummer.

 

"I don't know what will happen down the road," he said. "I might be sitting around in May, June, July and all of a sudden, I'm looking at three or four teams that came down to talk to me already and gave me their pitch."

 

Link

 

I think he'd gladly go to NY if the money is right and the team is winning. If the Astros are looking bad and/or offer a lot less than the Yankees, he could go to NY.

[CheeseHead Cubs Fan]

I agree with those who claim he will stay with the Stros.

 

However, if he feels the Astros are out of it and he wants to win a championship, I could see him going to NY or even Boston if the circumstances were right.

 

That being said, I don't like the fact he is waiting till almost mid-season to join a club...either play ball or retire bro, this soap opera is getting old!

[goonys evil twin]

That being said, I don't like the fact he is waiting till almost mid-season to join a club...either play ball or retire bro, this soap opera is getting old!

 

I agree with you, but he's been a mercenary for years now, it's to be expected. And it could be the perfect thing for him. Although he's still very effective, he's got very little stamina, and he wears down. He had an ERA over 5 last September, and for the past 3 years, his August and September have been his highest month ERAs. And of course he's got some bad history in the playoffs. It could do him a world of good to wait 2 months before beginning the season.

[srbin84]

Going on recent history, the Astros will be about 10 games under and in last place by the beginning of May. At that point, he might just go to Texas if he wants convenience or New York for the best chance to win.

[BigbadB]

Going on recent history, the Astros will be about 10 games under and in last place by the beginning of May. At that point, he might just go to Texas if he wants convenience or New York for the best chance to win.

 

I actually like Texas this year.

 

Wilkerson

Young

Tex

Blalock

Mench

Dellucci

Nevin/Durazo

Barajas

Kinsler

 

Slide Clemens in front of:

 

Millwood

Eaton

Loe

Padilla

 

Not bad. Wilkerson in a hitter's park for the first time in his career could be looking at a .380-.390 OBP leading off. Young's was .385 last year. Teixiera will be in heaven this year. I think Blalock rebounds this year.

[wade]

Going on recent history, the Astros will be about 10 games under and in last place by the beginning of May. At that point, he might just go to Texas if he wants convenience or New York for the best chance to win.

 

Unfortunately, also going on recent history, they will go off in the second half and still make the playoffs. :x

[srbin84]

Going on recent history, the Astros will be about 10 games under and in last place by the beginning of May. At that point, he might just go to Texas if he wants convenience or New York for the best chance to win.

 

Unfortunately, also going on recent history, they will go off in the second half and still make the playoffs. :x

 

I'm just saying our best hope is that they suck at the start again and Clemens will be disuaded to go there so will not be able to have that run again.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

I don't know if Koby starts in AA or not, but if he has a respectable go of it in April and March, all the Astros need to do is call him up for a few days to get Roger back on the mound.

[srbin84]

I don't know if Koby starts in AA or not, but if he has a respectable go of it in April and March, all the Astros need to do is call him up for a few days to get Roger back on the mound.

 

If the Astros start off bad and have to pay Bagwell's salary, are they even going to want to give Clemens over 10 million for 5 months? Has Clemens said he will take much less to play with them?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I don't know if Koby starts in AA or not, but if he has a respectable go of it in April and March, all the Astros need to do is call him up for a few days to get Roger back on the mound.

 

If the Astros start off bad and have to pay Bagwell's salary, are they even going to want to give Clemens over 10 million for 5 months? Has Clemens said he will take much less to play with them?

 

I doubt Clemens takes less to play for them. They are aware of that and it's partailly why they didn't want to offer him arbitration and be stuck with a bill of over 20 million for this season.

 

Word around the league seems to be that Hicks is willing to spend lots to get Clemens to Arlington. I'm not sure what the Astros would offer, but it would be at least 13-15 million.

[NorthsideAvenger]

I may be crazy, but I think Clemens pitches the WBC, and then calls it a career. But I admit, depending where the Astros are by May/June, I could see Clemens returning, but I still think retirement is the definite choice.

[Jehrico]

I don't know if Koby starts in AA or not, but if he has a respectable go of it in April and March, all the Astros need to do is call him up for a few days to get Roger back on the mound.

 

Kind of like the Griffey's, huh?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

On BBTN, Gammons says Clemens may wait until July to return.

[wade]

Going on recent history, the Astros will be about 10 games under and in last place by the beginning of May. At that point, he might just go to Texas if he wants convenience or New York for the best chance to win.

 

Unfortunately, also going on recent history, they will go off in the second half and still make the playoffs. :x

 

I'm just saying our best hope is that they suck at the start again and Clemens will be disuaded to go there so will not be able to have that run again.

 

You're right and I hope it happens. If they can play as badly for a whole year as they've played at the beginning of the last two that's one less team to worry about.

 

I also hope as a Cub fan that Petite starts to decline this year. That staff is not too deep, though Peter Gammons was talking up a guy who is coming off surgery this morning on Mike and Mike.

[Houston_Cub_Fan]

The Astros rotation isn't particularly good this year. They've got a strong 1-2 in Oswalt and Petitte, as good as any in the league, but there's a huge drop off after that. Backe has come up big in the post season, but his numbers are otherwise unimpressive. His ERA was well over 5.00 last year and I don't see why anyone expects massive improvement at this point. Astacio and Rodriguez are irratic and high ERA guys in their own right. Hernandez may make the rotation coming off of surgery a couple years ago, but his fast ball tops out at 90 now and he was always viewed as a power pitcher. One injury at the top of the roation and this team will be in trouble - and we know that Petitte is always a candidate for an arm injury. As it is, they'll have to find a way to score a lot of runs three out every five games. I don't think Preston Wilson improves their offense so significantly that you can expect them to all of sudden put up five-plus runs on a regular basis.

 

My point here is that this is why Houston will do everything in their power to have Clemens in an Astros uniform if he plays anywhere. I don't think money will be an obstacle (I believe the Stros will collect on the Bagwelll insurance). They certainly arn't going to sit idly by and let the Rangers get him. Shades of Nolan Ryan. At this point I think you have to tenatively pencil Roger into the Astros rotation by June.

 

I guess the x-factor is whether the Stros are in the running still at that time. But after last year's improbable run, and the fact that Clemens puts butts in seats, I think Houston management will want him no matter what, and will give him the same lattitude in terms of no going on some road trips etc, that they did last year.