To Launch In New York...
Roger Clemens waisted no time. After the Yankees 5-0 win over the Seattle Mariners, the Rocket was playing toss in the outfield.
Is anyone really shocked at the decision?
What amazed me the most was the timing; I certainly didn't expect it this soon.
Undoubtedly, Astros fans will be upset, but I'm not quite sure we should be. Roger Clemens does a few things: (1) brings excitement to the ballpark, (2) gives the Astros national coverage, (3) costs too much money, and (4) weakens our bullpen.
I'm not concerned with the attendance figures that line Drayton McLane's pocket, nor am I concerned with how the rest of the country portrays my ball club. Clemens' salary is irrelevant as well, because if they don't spend it on the Rocket, the money won't be spent.
I do not, however, like how he weakens our relief pitchers. Roger is a five-inning pitcher, and Woody Williams has that market covered -- not that I'd take Woody over the greatest pitcher of our generation -- and we don't need two.
Roger hasn't won us games -- we lose games he pitches. If we're going to be shut out every fifth day, then pitch Fernando Nieve.
Let Roger pitch in New York and pull a hamstring when they make it to the World Series. But Astros fans must appreciate that we had our best two seasons in club history with him and Andy Pettitte on the mound. When he returns to Minute Maid Park upon retirement to begin his personal services contract, don't boo him -- appreciate his work.
Houston can't offer him what New York can. The atmosphere is different. The fans are different. Management is different.
The Yankees have history. The Astros have zero Hall Of Famers.
It's still a tough day. Finding out Clemens won't be pitching for you certainly doesn't make your team better.
AP Photo taken by Kathy Willens and found on ESPN.com
Labels: Baseball, Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros, Sports
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