It's a done deal: Clemens is an Astro
Rocket's blasting off with Astros
How does the new Astros starting lineup stack up against the other NL Central teams?
As of today, 40% of the 2003 New York Yankees starting rotation will be wearing Astros pinstripes during the 2004 season (Hmm...could a trade be in the works for Mike Mussina??). It's a little early to begin buying those World Series tickets, but it's hard not to think of the possibilities. Of course, I'm just getting off on Drayton McLane sticking it to Yankee fans in general and George Steinbrenner in particular.
After weeks of increasing speculation about the status of what was a short-lived retirement, the future Hall of Famer said he was excited to put on an Astros' uniform.
"It's great to come home," Clemens said today. ".. this decision was made possible by my family." Clemens agreed to a $5 million, one-year contract with the Houston Astros.
The six-time Cy Young Award winner was persuaded to join Houston after close friend and former Yankees teammate Andy Pettitte signed with the Astros last month.
A return to the baseball field will also mean a resumption of Clemens' renowned training regimen.
"If I wasn't a power pitcher, I don't think I'd have to put in as much time. But, to be me, I'm going to have to do that again and I look foward to it," Clemens said.
Andy Pettitte, Roger Clemens, Roy Oswalt, and Wade Miller. If that isn't the best starting rotation in baseball, I don't know what is. Hell, you could throw Tom DeLay out there as the fifth starter, and I doubt it would make much of a difference.
Of course, not everyone is rejoicing at the news. Michele has some issues with The Rocket:
For a trip through Michele's "I Hate Roger Clemens Hall of Fame", start here. Hey, c'mon now...no one ever said the guy was Mother Teresa....