Turn Off Ads?
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 15 of 19

Thread: Where will the Rocket land?

  1. #1
    Thanks a lot, Bowie Kuhn Revering4Blue's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Valparaiso, Indiana
    Posts
    2,282

    Where will the Rocket land?

    http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5328032




    Dayn Perry / FOXSports.com
    Posted: 1 hour ago

    Even at this late hour, we don't know whether future Hall of Famer Roger Clemens will ever pitch another game in the major leagues.

    What we do know, however, is that if he does table retirement plans for another season, Clemens figures to have a serious impact on the pennant race, regardless of where he signs. If the rumors are any guide, the Astros, Rangers, Yankees and Red Sox are the serious contenders to sign Clemens, probably in that order.

    Last season, Clemens, of course, worked 211 1/3 innings, posted a 1.87 ERA (the best such mark in the NL since Greg Maddux's 1.63 in 1995) and in a just universe would've won his eighth Cy Young award. Whenever a pitcher posts a sub-2.00 ERA, there's bound to be some luck involved. However, a glance at Clemens' supporting statistics suggests that even at age 43 he has much to offer. Consider that in 2005, his walks per 9 innings ratio was 7.88 (13th in the N.L.); K/BbB ratio was 2.88 (18th), and his groudball/flyball ratio 1.41 (22d).

    Naturally, you shouldn't expect Clemens to post another 1.87 ERA, but those strong peripheral numbers say he'll once again pitch at a high level. It's doubtful he'll be the best pitcher in his league again in 2006, but Clemens does figure to be a certifiable ace for at least another season.

    Some want to see this form of a Rocket throwback ... (Rick Stewart / Getty Images)

    Having established that, let's take a look at the teams in the chase for his services. Here's how those aforementioned clubs ranked in 2005 in terms of runs allowed (RA) and rotation ERA: Angels, first in the NL in both; Rangers, 12th in AL RA and 13th in ERA; Red Sox, 11th in RA and 8th in ERA; Yankees, 9th in both RA and ERA.

    All three AL squads were generally inept at keeping runs off the board, but the Astros — thanks in large part to Clemens himself — sported the best run-prevention unit in all of baseball last season (that's especially the case considering the hitter-friendly nature of Minute Maid Park).

    Still, keep in mind that last year Houston claimed the Wild Card by only a single game and that they'll be burdened once again by a listless offense (11th in the NL in runs scored last season). It's also possible that Andy Pettitte will regress a bit and that the setup corps in front of closer Brad Lidge won't be as imposing as it was last season. Also, because they opted not to offer salary arbitration to Clemens, the Astros are ineligible to sign him until May 1.

    Right now, the Astros look bound for third or fourth place, and while Clemens will improve the team, he's probably not enough to lift the Astros to the top of what figures to be a tougher Wild Card fray in 2006 (it goes without saying that Houston isn't going to win the Central). It's in the Houston's best interest to let Clemens walk and move headlong into the rebuilding process. He'd sell tickets in 2006, to be sure, but this likely isn't a playoff outfit even with Clemens in tow.

    As for the Rangers, their long-suffering rotation has been helped by the addition of Kevin Millwood, but that's not enough. Clemens would provide Texas with a high-level, durable starter at the front of the rotation. With Clemens on board, the Rangers would boast a respectable front four of Clemens, Millwood, Adam Eaton and Vicente Padilla. Then they could take the "let God sort ‘em out" approach with the fifth spot and choose among Kameron Loe, Juan Dominguez, Joaquin Benoit, John Wasdin and perhaps top pitching prospect Tom Diamond. It's certainly far more desirable than trying to find two adequate starters in that group.

    Owner Tom Hicks should leverage his team's proximity to Clemens' suburban Houston home, the fact that he wouldn't have to bat in the AL and the fact that his addition would elevate the Rangers from third-place team to nominal contender. Then, of course, he'll need to loosen the purse strings.

    ... and some long for a return to the Bronx. (Otto Gruele Jr. / Getty Images)

    Boston is banking on a healthy Curt Schilling, and they also have prospects Jon Papelbon and Jon Lester ready to step into the breach if Schilling (or perhaps David Wells) isn't able to stay healthy all year. At present, the Sox have six starters not even counting Papelbon. Signing Clemens would necessitate a trade or Wells, Matt Clement or Bronson Arroyo, but this is a team without manifest needs at the moment. Raiding the coffers for Clemens isn't a move that makes sense for the Red Sox.

    It also seems like a move that wouldn't make sense for the Yankees. New York has six starters in the fold and an emergency option on the roster in Aaron Small. Still, Clemens would certainly look nifty pitching in front of Randy Johnson in the rotation.

    Also, the Yankees, unlike the Red Sox, do have needs. Specifically, their bench is fairly awful. That's not wise for a team whose core is so old. Chances are age, injury or some combination of the two will force someone into the lineup who doesn't belong there. If you're in these straits, it's not wise to have things like Andy Phillips, Bubba Crosby and Felix Escalona polluting the roster. Trading away Carl Pavano or Jaret Wright (assuming some team out there is dimwitted enough to want him) for bench help would be ideal. That would certainly require the Yankees to cover most of either pitcher's remaining contract, but that's something they're accustomed to.

    Overall, the Astros and Red Sox should pass on Clemens, but the Yankees and Rangers should be in hot pursuit. More specifically, it's the Rangers who should be willing to break the bank for the Rocket. The Yankees are already a playoff-worthy unit, but the Rangers, without Clemens fronting the rotation, haven't much of a hope. If Texas is serious about contending in 2006, they need Clemens.


  2. Turn Off Ads?
  3. #2
    Member Jpup's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Southern KY
    Posts
    6,997

    Re: Where will the Rocket land?

    Yankees.

    Astrobuddy will be here soon to tell us that Clemens will pitch in Houston after May 1 and also that Dunn will play in Houston after 2007. btw, if Rocket pitches in New York in 2006, astrobuddy has to buy me season tickets to the Reds. How nice would that be?

    Word from Boston is that Henry and Lucchino made private trip to talk to Clemens last week.
    Last edited by Jpup; 02-13-2006 at 06:24 AM.
    "My mission is to be the ray of hope, the guy who stands out there on that beautiful field and owns up to his mistakes and lets people know it's never completely hopeless, no matter how bad it seems at the time. I have a platform and a message, and now I go to bed at night, sober and happy, praying I can be a good messenger." -Josh Hamilton

  4. #3
    smells of rich mahogany deltachi8's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Houston, TX
    Posts
    3,001

    Re: Where will the Rocket land?

    Houston.
    Nothing to see here. Please disperse.

  5. #4
    Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Mount Sterling, KY
    Posts
    344

    Re: Where will the Rocket land?

    I think that the felxibility the Astros give him in relation with staying home and joining the club later on road trips makes Houston the choice.

  6. #5
    Mon chou Choo vaticanplum's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Pittsburgh
    Posts
    7,673

    Re: Where will the Rocket land?

    Dunno if I'm in the minority in this, but I think he'll retire.

    Most of the articles I've read on Clemens lately seem to have magically forgotten that he hurt himself at the end of last season. I have a suspicion that this, given his age and the fact that he'll probably be sitting around for a little while enjoying his life, may lead him to retirement.

    Of course, he had an amazing year last year and he's insanely competitive, so he could prove me wrong. There's a part of me that can't imagine Clemens going out without 16 days of fireworks and nine parades.
    There is no such thing as a pitching prospect.

  7. #6
    The Lineups stink. KronoRed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
    Location
    West N. Carolina
    Posts
    62,138

    Re: Where will the Rocket land?

    Texas
    Go Gators!

  8. #7
    Firin Away Jr's Boy's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Posts
    1,750

    Re: Where will the Rocket land?

    Who cares,he aint coming here thats for sure.

  9. #8
    Big Red Machine RedsBaron's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2000
    Location
    Out Wayne
    Posts
    24,132

    Re: Where will the Rocket land?

    I'd guess the Rocket resigns with the Astros after May 1. Missing a few weeks of the season might actually help him be stronger in the fall.
    "Hey...Dad. Wanna Have A Catch?" Kevin Costner in "Field Of Dreams."

  10. #9
    You're killin' me Smalls! StillFunkyB's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Florence, KY
    Posts
    3,138

    Re: Where will the Rocket land?

    I don't think Clemens should retire. The guy can still pitch, he's proved that.

  11. #10
    Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Houston, Texas
    Posts
    341

    Re: Where will the Rocket land?

    It all depends on how he feels after the WBC. He will either pitch for the Astros or retire. He will go to the minors and play with his Son for a few weeks and see how he feels. He is under contract to the Astros anyway (10 year personal services contract).


    Astros 3rd or 4th? Not likely, but possible.
    Rabid Astros Fan !

  12. #11
    Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Weatherford, Texas
    Posts
    2,125

    Re: Where will the Rocket land?

    I say Astros 51%, Rangers 49%

    I think he would Rather stay in the NL where he doesn't have to face the DH in the Lineup and he gets to drive home after Home Games....

    The Rangers would be a better contender for the AL WEST than the Astros will be for the NL Central though....

    JaredRoberts.com

  13. #12
    He has the Evil Eye! flyer85's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    south of the border
    Posts
    23,858

    Re: Where will the Rocket land?

    depends on the trajectory

  14. #13
    HS Athletic Director alexad's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2002
    Location
    Cleves, Ohio
    Posts
    1,361

    Re: Where will the Rocket land?

    I know this will not happen, but I would like to see him return to where he was born, (Dayton Area). I know it would never happen, but at this point in the early season, it is great to dream.:
    Taylor High School
    Home of the "Yellow Jackets"

  15. #14
    The Lineups stink. KronoRed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
    Location
    West N. Carolina
    Posts
    62,138

    Re: Where will the Rocket land?

    Do the Dragons have the payroll space?

    Go Gators!

  16. #15
    Member RedsManRick's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Guelph, ON
    Posts
    19,435

    Re: Where will the Rocket land?

    I say Houston, 100%. Whether or not he plays for the Astros is a completely different question.


Turn Off Ads?

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Board Moderators may, at their discretion and judgment, delete and/or edit any messages that violate any of the following guidelines: 1. Explicit references to alleged illegal or unlawful acts. 2. Graphic sexual descriptions. 3. Racial or ethnic slurs. 4. Use of edgy language (including masked profanity). 5. Direct personal attacks, flames, fights, trolling, baiting, name-calling, general nuisance, excessive player criticism or anything along those lines. 6. Posting spam. 7. Each person may have only one user account. It is fine to be critical here - that's what this board is for. But let's not beat a subject or a player to death, please.

Thank you, and most importantly, enjoy yourselves!


RedsZone.com is a privately owned website and is not affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds or Major League Baseball


Contact us: Boss | Gallen5862 | Plus Plus | Powel Crosley | RedlegJake | The Operator