Clemens drama just getting started
Astros set “Rocket” Roger Clemens loose
The biggest reason Roger is not sure yet if he wants to play is that he’s not sure if he can physically make it through what he requires of himself to get ready for another season, to go through another spring training and then pitch for six months and another month of the postseason. He didn’t make it last year without a breakdown, and Roger knows that. He pitched Cy Young-caliber baseball for five months. Then his body rebelled, and that’s been wearing on his mind. And then there’s another question: When is it time to go? That one has been wearing on his mind, as well.
- Randy Hendricks
Well, I suppose it was bound to happen eventually. Even Roger Clemens can only cheat Father Time for so long. I certainly can’t blame him for wanting to take his time in deciding whether or not to come back for the 2006 season. Given that Clemens is 43, I would imagine it’s no small decision. Given the way his body broke down near the end of this past season, it’s not an unreasonable fear that another season might feature more of the same. How many of us in our mid-40s wake up feeling chipper and ready to go? I don’t even play baseball, and yet there are days when I feel every one of my 45 years. I can’t imagine what it must be like for a highly-conditioned professional athlete.
Frankly, Clemens deserves to take his time. I recognize that the Astros had to make a decision, and their decision may mean the end of Clemens’ career with the Astros or the end of his career altogether. Hey, it’s not like the guy’s going to have to be going through the cushions of his couch looking for lunch money….
By refusing to offer Clemens, 43, arbitration by today’s 11 p.m. deadline, the Astros accept that their negotiating window with him will be closed until May 1. By then, the 341-game winner will likely be playing elsewhere if he opts against retirement.
Clemens earned $18,000,022 this year, a record for a one-year contract. If the Astros had offered arbitration and he had accepted and taken them to a hearing, he would have earned no less than $15.4 million next season but more likely something in the $20 million range….
Through his representatives, Randy and Alan Hendricks, Clemens informed the Astros earlier this week that he wouldn’t decide until late January or early February whether he’ll play his 23rd major-league season or retire.
If the World Series was the Rocket’s last flight as an Astro, it’s been a great ride, hasn’t it? Two year, two League Championship Series, one World Series, one Cy Young Award…and dominant performances one could never reasonably expect from a man in his mid-40s. Do not pass “Go”, do not collect $250, go directly to the Hall of Fame….
I was fortunate enough to have been able to see Roger Clemens pitch a few times at Minute Maid Park, so when he is inducted into the Hall of Fame, I will be able to say that I saw him play.It will be a long time before we see his like again.
