Clemens Back With Yankees!!!

[drjoek]

They just announced during the Yankees Game that Roger Clemens is Back with the Yankees!

[Bulldogcakes]

You know what Clemens is for the Hall of Fame?


http://www.wesecure.com/combination-lock.jpg

[Sarge]

Nice.

[Bulldogcakes]

I know, I hope this thread stays open just for that one post

[FezPaul]

Clemens Back With Yankees!!!

h

[ChimneyFish]

Il mondo si concluderà presto.
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c217/luxa1/IMG_8726.jpg

[Don Stugots]

BDC find the story and call in with it. please.

[FezPaul]

Il mondo si concluderà presto.
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c217/luxa1/IMG_8726.jpg

iOle'! :clap:

[Bulldogcakes]

BDC find the story and call in with it. please.

He's back, what can I add to that?

I'll look around and see if I can find anything.

[Gvac]

I don't know why Yankee fans are so excited about this. Clemens is OLD...over 40.

He can't possibly be any good.

[BoondockSaint]

Is he coming back as a true Yankee or a money hungry phony?

[drjoek]

Is he coming back as a true Yankee or a money hungry phony?
If the yankees win hes a true Yankee If they lose hes a money hugry phony

[Don Stugots]

He's back, what can I add to that?

I'll look around and see if I can find anything.

maybe some real yankee fan reaction? nevermind.

Is he coming back as a true Yankee or a money hungry phony?


money hungry phony. why change now?

[furie]

i wish he'd make up his mind already!

[Don Stugots]

i wish he'd make up his mind already!

he did (http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070506&content_id=1949377&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy)

[furie]

that's not what i mean

[Bulldogcakes]

I don't know why Yankee fans are so excited about this. Clemens is OLD...over 40.

He can't possibly be any good.

So says the guy over 40.

[MJ]

He did the roids.........allegedly

He's on my list of douches.

Fuck him.

[JPMNICK]

I don't know why Yankee fans are so excited about this. Clemens is OLD...over 40.

He can't possibly be any good.

he was over 40 the last 2 years and he had like a 2.25 ERA or something insane like that.

[ChimneyFish]

I heard he likes to touch little boys.

[mattcub]

Good, keeps him of the Astros and away from my Cubs!!!!

[BoondockSaint]

I don't know why Yankee fans are so excited about this. Clemens is OLD...over 40.

He can't possibly be any good.

So says the guy over 40.

he was over 40 the last 2 years and he had like a 2.25 ERA or something insane like that.

I think Gvac was being sarcastic.

[JPMNICK]

2005 - 1.87 ERA in 32 games
2006 - 2.30 ERA in 19 games

[JPMNICK]

I think Gvac was being sarcastic.

i thought so, cause i know he is a yankee fan. but you do not know how many people i talk to about clemens who keep telling me if he comes back this year he is going to suck.

[ChimneyFish]

2005 - 1.87 ERA in 32 games
2006 - 2.30 ERA in 19 games

And a 3.0 GPA to top it off.

[lleeder]

He's getting 28 million thats about a million a start.

[Bulldogcakes]

i thought so, cause i know he is a yankee fan. but you do not know how many people i talk to about clemens who keep telling me if he comes back this year he is going to suck.

Actually, I think GVAC is (or was) a Reds fan. But if he wants to be a Yankee fan, welcome aboard. We need more GVAC's as Yankee fans.

But I'm worried about Clemens, too. Having those easy innings in the NL can help out alot. He may be a effective 5-6 inning pitcher with the Yanks, which is better than they have now. Also, he'll have a Bob impact in the clubhouse. Pettite's his best buddy, Jeter loves him, and he's such a hard worker that other players say they feed off his energy. Plus, Hughes already has the tag "Young Clemens" and he can be an extra pitching coach for him.

[Bulldogcakes]

He's getting 28 million thats about a million a start.

Pro-rated. That's about 4.5 mil per month, he'll pitch from June thru September. Should be 18 total. But you're right, its still around 1 mil per start.

[Ritalin]

I've seen the needle and the damage done
a little part of it in everyone....

[BoondockSaint]

YES is reporting that Clemens pulled a back muscle when he went home and fucked his bag of money.

[lleeder]

YES of the Future just reported its 2010 and Jose Reyes just signed for 6 years 120 million with the Yankees

[Tall_James]

YES is reporting that Clemens pulled a back muscle when he went home and fucked his bag of money.

Nice. That one made me laugh out loud.

[sailor]

YES of the Future just reported its 2010 and Jose Reyes just signed for 6 years 120 million with the Yankees

will it take that long?

[BoondockSaint]

YES of the Future just reported its 2010 and Jose Reyes just signed for 6 years 120 million with the Yankees

will it take that long?


Has the Captain heard?

[cougarjake13]

I heard he likes to touch little boys.

that would explain why he keeps following around his lil buddy andy

[cougarjake13]

YES of the Future just reported its 2010 and Jose Reyes just signed for 6 years 120 million with the Yankees

only problem is he's signed through 2011

[BoondockSaint]

So, with the luxuary tax, he will cost the Yanks $27 million?

[lleeder]

only problem is he's signed through 2011

He opted out in 2010, you'll hear about it in 3 years

[shodan]

I have no problem with his taking the money. Fuck it, I would. BUt when he starts talking about how he wanted to play for a winner...seriously shut the fuck up. The only reason he signed with the Yanks over the Red Sox was they offered 10 million more. At least be honest about it.

[sailor]

Has the Captain heard?

2nd base, baby!

[TheMojoPin]

I have no problem with his taking the money. Fuck it, I would. BUt when he starts talking about how he wanted to play for a winner...seriously shut the fuck up. The only reason he signed with the Yanks over the Red Sox was they offered 10 million more. At least be honest about it.

Not necessarily. The Yanks are going to give him what Houstaon so rarely could...significant run support. If he's pitching anything like he has in the past, his arm and the Yankees' bats are a deadly combo. He'll make them a winner, especially as their starters get healthy.

That said, the guy's age is going to catch up with him eventually. There's no reason this isn't the season that happens.

[Snacks]

Not necessarily. The Yanks are going to give him what Houstaon so rarely could...significant run support. If he's pitching anything like he has in the past, his arm and the Yankees' bats are a deadly combo. He'll make them a winner, especially as their starters get healthy.

That said, the guy's age is going to catch up with him eventually. There's no reason this isn't the season that happens.

He is going to the yanks over Boston b/c of 10 million no other reason. He may say he wants a ring, but money still had something to do with it. I dont blame him, who couldnt use an extra 10 mil?

[ChrisTheCop]

Yay. They have one over the hill pitcher!!! All their bullpen problems are solved!!!!!!!

(is it true he'll only play at games within Texas, on weekdays when his kids are in school and the temperature is about 80 ? And are they buying him ANOTHER car??)

bahhh ha ha ha hahahhha ahhaha ahahahahahahahahahhaaaaaaa!

$28 million for how many days work? E-rod must be relieved his paycheck no longer holds the record for stupidity.

[Don Stugots]

Yay. They have one over the hill pitcher!!! All their bullpen problems are solved!!!!!!!

(is it true he'll only play at games within Texas, on weekdays when his kids are in school and the temperature is about 80 ? And are they buying him ANOTHER car??)

bahhh ha ha ha hahahhha ahhaha ahahahahahahahahahhaaaaaaa!

$28 million for how many days work? E-rod must be relieved his paycheck no longer holds the record for stupidity.

Sour Grapes.

[sailor]

Sour Grapes.

isn't schilling 40?

[Don Stugots]

isn't schilling 40?

is he? i have no idea. Isnt he making alot of money too? I guess that is The Yanks fault. George gave him that contract.

[sailor]

is he? i have no idea. Isnt he making alot of money too? I guess that is The Yanks fault. George gave him that contract.

(i looked it up before i posted. i don't trust my own recollections that much to just throw shit out there on my own say-so.)

[Don Stugots]

(i looked it up before i posted. i don't trust my own recollections that much to just throw shit out there on my own say-so.)

I dont trust your own recollections either or my own for that matter.

[Ritalin]

I just heard about how they announced it at the game this morning. How fucking cheese-mo are the Yankees?! The only thing missing would be if Clemens had stuck his arm out of the owner's box and that stupid fucking eagle had flown from the scoreboard and landed on it.

I mean, he's a great pitcher - although he sure did get a lot better when he went to Toronto coughsteroidswhat? - but he's really hard to root for, and I really don't get how Yankee fans can root for him. He is, and always will be, a Red Sox.

[A.J.]

isn't schilling 40?

Yes. As are Wakefield and Timlin.

[Dan 'Hampton]

Yes. As are Wakefield and Timlin.

But can that beat an enhanced 44/45?

[crb1]

Yes. As are Wakefield and Timlin.

Wakefield doesn't count. Knuckleballers should cruise until at least 63.

[crb1]

I just heard about how they announced it at the game this morning. How fucking cheese-mo are the Yankees?! The only thing missing would be if Clemens had stuck his arm out of the owner's box and that stupid fucking eagle had flown from the scoreboard and landed on it.

I mean, he's a great pitcher - although he sure did get a lot better when he went to Toronto coughsteroidswhat? - but he's really hard to root for, and I really don't get how Yankee fans can root for him. He is, and always will be, a Red Sox.

What makes him harder to root for than any other player? He isn't a Red Sox, and hasn't been for over a decade. He has played almost as long for other teams as he had for the Sox.

[drjoek]

Yay.




$28 million for how many days work? E-rod must be relieved his paycheck no longer holds the record for stupidity.

No The record for Stupidity in Baseball Contracts will be the $106 million dollars the Red SUX are paying for Dice- Walk .
Not even one time through the league and he has been exposed!!!

[El Mudo]

I think the record for stupidity in baseball contracts has to be this guy...not even close

http://www.paulsolecki.com/vetivers/hideki.jpg

[Ritalin]

What makes him harder to root for than any other player? He isn't a Red Sox, and hasn't been for over a decade. He has played almost as long for other teams as he had for the Sox.

So when he goes to the Hall of Fame - a lock - which hat is he wearing?

I say Red Sox, no doubt.

[Don Stugots]

So when he goes to the Hall of Fame - a lock - which hat is he wearing?

I say Red Sox, no doubt.

his college team's hat. he will insist.

[tupper65]

So when he goes to the Hall of Fame - a lock - which hat is he wearing?

I say Red Sox, no doubt.

If he has any choice in the matter, I say Yankees. If they deterimine the hat by time with the team, it's definitely Boston, but if the Yankees are and option, I say that he goes with the interlocking NY

[A.J.]

So when he goes to the Hall of Fame - a lock - which hat is he wearing?

I say Red Sox, no doubt.

The Sports Guy had it right: put a dollar sign on his cap (http://proxy.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?id=1206543).

[drjoek]

I think the record for stupidity in baseball contracts has to be this guy...not even close

http://www.paulsolecki.com/vetivers/hideki.jpg

Not even The worst Yankee Contract. Its starting to look like that will be Pavano. He may go Tommy John and be gone till end of contract.
44 million- 5 wins
Clemens has stated that he will go in as a NYY

[A.J.]

Not even The worst Yankee Contract. Its starting to look like that will be Pavano. He may go Tommy John and be gone till end of contract.
44 million- 5 wins
Clemens has stated that he will go in as a NYY

Pavano is the Don Gullett of the 2000s.

[crb1]

I think the record for stupidity in baseball contracts has to be this guy...not even close

http://www.paulsolecki.com/vetivers/hideki.jpg

He's not even close to the worst. Just going on pitchers, the list starts here:

- Mike Hampton
- Denny Neagle
- Carl Pavano
- Barry Zito
- Kevin Brown

[King Hippos Bandaid]

this is a gr8 idea until he starts pitching and goes 4-3 with a 4:40 ERA

Then you will be like Oh right he is OLDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD


:king:

[BoondockSaint]

ESPN is reporting that the Yankees have resigned Bernie Williams for $40 million but he only has to play on Mondays, Thursdays and every other Saturday.

[Justice4all]

Yay. They have one over the hill pitcher!!! All their bullpen problems are solved!!!!!!!

(is it true he'll only play at games within Texas, on weekdays when his kids are in school and the temperature is about 80 ? And are they buying him ANOTHER car??)

bahhh ha ha ha hahahhha ahhaha ahahahahahahahahahhaaaaaaa!

$28 million for how many days work? E-rod must be relieved his paycheck no longer holds the record for stupidity.
Wow CTC....Envy Green really isn't your color.

[drjoek]

Dice- Walk Dice K

Nothing? :annoyed:
Damn I thought that was pretty good.
Is this thing turned on?

[spadanko]

Please shoot waltman

http://www.wcbs880.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=695991

[Jujubees2]

Not even The worst Yankee Contract. Its starting to look like that will be Pavano. He may go Tommy John and be gone till end of contract.
44 million- 5 wins
Clemens has stated that he will go in as a NYY

Doesn't matter as the Hall of Fame picks the cap for the player.

Hall of Fame officials now determine the cap a player "wears" on his plaque in Cooperstown. For Sutter, that announcement is expected to be made at Wednesday's press conference.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060110&content_id=1293389&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

[Don Stugots]

Please shoot waltman

http://www.wcbs880.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=695991

i heard that last night on the news. she needs to relax.

[Snacks]

i heard that last night on the news. she needs to relax.

no she needs to leave. I cant stand listening to her voice it makes me puke a little every time.

[spadanko]

"He's in George's BBBBBBBBAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWXXXXXXXXXXX"

[Don Stugots]

"He's in George's BBBBBBBBAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWXXXXXXXXXXX"

shortly after that call, Good Ol' JR called her demanding his gimmick back & the use of the other side of his phace.

[BoondockSaint]

Is Waldman's d-sipping also prorated?

[sailor]

I think the record for stupidity in baseball contracts has to be this guy...not even close

http://www.paulsolecki.com/vetivers/hideki.jpg

he stank, but did he make a ton of cash? i don't recall. btw, my own favorite failed yankee pitcher was eddie lee witson. worst yankee pitcher ever. kenny rogers was another that couldn't live up to the spotlight.

and clemens should have a dollar sign? because no other players care aboot cash? air-tight logic there.

[ChrisTheCop]

Wow CTC....Envy Green really isn't your color.

Look, I'm happy for Yankee fans that they have SOMETHING to smile about. Today.

Lets just remember how happy you all are today, in late August...in between cursing E-Rod's name again, something tells me we'll hear a few "and fucking Clemens..wtf???"

But hey- good luck with all that.

Go Sox.

[El Mudo]

he stank, but did he make a ton of cash? i don't recall. btw, my own favorite failed yankee pitcher was eddie lee witson. worst yankee pitcher ever. kenny rogers was another that couldn't live up to the spotlight.

and clemens should have a dollar sign? because no other players care aboot cash? air-tight logic there.




Because he's going around saying "I just want to win" while we're all supposed to forget that the Yankees happened to offer him 10 million dollars more than Boston and Houston did...he's nothing but a phony. He has a much better chance of winning in Boston...I mean, look at the Yankees bullpen...there's absolutely NO bridge to Rivera, meaning they'll last about 10 seconds if they even make the playoffs. If he truly cared about "winning" he would have taken less money to go to Boston, where he would have been in a much better staff, with a much better bullpen, with a much better chance to win.

[Kevin]

I think the record for stupidity in baseball contracts has to be this guy...not even close

http://www.paulsolecki.com/vetivers/hideki.jpg

Soon to be joined by this guy

http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070302/070302_matsuzaka_vmed5p.widec.jpg


And already surpassed by this guy...

http://daboogiedownbronx.mlblogs.com/photos/da_bronx_bombers/pavano.jpg

[sailor]

Because he's going around saying "I just want to win" while we're all supposed to forget that the Yankees happened to offer him 10 million dollars more than Boston and Houston did...he's nothing but a phony. He has a much better chance of winning in Boston...I mean, look at the Yankees bullpen...there's absolutely NO bridge to Rivera, meaning they'll last about 10 seconds if they even make the playoffs. If he truly cared about "winning" he would have taken less money to go to Boston, where he would have been in a much better staff, with a much better bullpen, with a much better chance to win.

yeah, no other players ever pick money. and the yankee offense is so much better than the red sox. once their pitcher stop dying (hopefully??) we'll see he made the right call.

[Bulldogcakes]

isn't schilling 40?

Yes, and he doesn't work out nearly as hard as Clemens does.

Unless you count working his mouth, then he leads the league.

[drjoek]

Look, I'm happy for Yankee fans that they have SOMETHING to smile about. Today.

Lets just remember how happy you all are today, in late August...in between cursing E-Rod's name again, something tells me we'll hear a few "and fucking Clemens..wtf???"

But hey- good luck with all that.

Go Sox.
The more likely scenario is that you Red SUX guys are going to be saying that a whole LOT more than yankee fans. But enjoy the Pennant you won in April We'll enjoy October
What do Patio Furniture and the Red Sux have in common?
They both go away in September.

Go Dice Walk

[Kevin]

The more likely scenario is that you Red SUX guys are going to be saying that a whole LOT more than yankee fans. But enjoy the Pennant you won in April We'll enjoy October
What do Patio Furniture and the Red Sux have in common?
They both go away in September.

Go Dice Wok

Fixed!!

[ChrisTheCop]

Red Sux! Clever.
If only I could come up with some way of changing your team's name into a sexual act.

Yankee.

hmmmm........

and 3rd try with the dice k joke, still no laughy.

[cougarjake13]

ESPN is reporting that the rest of MLB has conceded the season and world series to the yanks after signing clemens

well its only 3 months til pre season football

[cougarjake13]

So when he goes to the Hall of Fame - a lock - which hat is he wearing?

I say Red Sox, no doubt.

it'd be funny as hell if they made it a blue jay hat

[Marc with a c]

with kevin math clemens ERA from last year 2.30 in the national league will be 7.25 in the american league.

he is going to make them worse!!!!

[Bulldogcakes]

it'd be funny as hell if they made it a blue jay hat

He actually had BY FAR his two best years there.

He won his 2 rings as a Yank

He spent 13 years as a Red Sox

I think Clemens would LIKE to be remembered as a Yank, he'd like to be associated with all that tradition. But I think of him as a Red Sox, and I think thats what will happen.

[Kevin]

with kevin math clemens ERA from last year 2.30 in the national league will be 7.25 in the american league.

he is going to make them worse!!!!

My math does not include Yankees..

[Bulldogcakes]

But I'm worried about Clemens, too. Having those easy innings in the NL can help out alot. He may be a effective 5-6 inning pitcher with the Yanks, which is better than they have now. Also, he'll have a Bob impact in the clubhouse. Pettite's his best buddy, Jeter loves him, and he's such a hard worker that other players say they feed off his energy.

Every once in a while, I throw one of those in there just to see if anyone actually reads some of the crap I post. Nobody called me out on this, and I'm devastated.

[sailor]

Every once in a while, I throw one of those in there just to see if anyone actually reads some of the crap I post. Nobody called me out on this, and I'm devastated.

i saw it, if it makes ya happier.

[cougarjake13]

He actually had BY FAR his two best years there.

He won his 2 rings as a Yank

He spent 13 years as a Red Sox

I think Clemens would LIKE to be remembered as a Yank, he'd like to be associated with all that tradition. But I think of him as a Red Sox, and I think thats what will happen.

well usually they go with the team that he spent more time with unless a team with less time played with he had more career success

so with the yanks he had 2 rings, 2 cy youngs his 300th win i think
so if they do in fact win this year it might seal the deal for him going in as a yankee

[A.J.]

Yes, and he doesn't work out nearly as hard as Clemens does.

Unless you count working his mouth, then he leads the league.

He works his fingers more these days: 38pitches.com (http://38pitches.com/)

[A.J.]

He actually had BY FAR his two best years there.

He won his 2 rings as a Yank

He spent 13 years as a Red Sox

I think Clemens would LIKE to be remembered as a Yank, he'd like to be associated with all that tradition. But I think of him as a Red Sox, and I think thats what will happen.

You can have him. He gave a big "Fuck You" to the Boston fans...and this, I do NOT forgive.

[sailor]

You can have him. He gave a big "Fuck You" to the Boston fans...and this, I do NOT forgive.

no one's quicker to turn on their ex-stars than the sox. except phillies fans who don't wait for that pesky "ex" part.

[A.J.]

no one's quicker to turn on their ex-stars than the sox. except phillies fans who don't wait for that pesky "ex" part.

Not true. It's hard for me to respect a guy who phoned it in the last years of his career in Boston and showed loyalty only to his bank account. Fuck him.

[Fezticle98]

Wow. With the way Mariano is going, the Yanks may want to see if Clemens would be a closer. Of course, his pride would prevent that.

[Kevin]

Not true. It's hard for me to respect a guy who phoned it in the last years of his career in Boston and showed loyalty only to his bank account. Fuck him.

Hold on, hold on, HOLD ON.... YOUR GM SAID HE WAS DONE!!!!!



DONE!!!!! You expect him to sign there after your GM said you were done??? Come on... Please..

He was fair, When the new ownership and gm took over.. He said all grudges were gone.. So please stop it. You guys are unloyal and turn on your guys in a whimper.. Same shit with Johnny.. He was a huge catalyst in winning the 1st title in 87 years. And when your organization did NOT want to sign him, and gave him a low offer.. He came to us.. And instead of being class fans and give him a standing O on hos 1st at bat.. You booed the living crap out of him.. So please stop it.. You guys are the most unloyal fans ever.

[drjoek]

Red Sux! Clever.


and 3rd try with the dice k joke, still no laughy.
I may not be funny but I am persistent:dry:

[BoondockSaint]

Please shoot waltman

http://www.wcbs880.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=695991


From her wiki page:


On May 6, 2007 she had her first "sportsgasm" on the air when it was announced that Roger Clemens was returning to the New York Yankees. Waldman absolutely lost her shit talking about Clemens' return.

[playboynasty]

What a desperate move......GO REDSOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kevin]

What a desperate move......GO REDSOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yea, signing a guy thats had an era in the 2's for the past 3 years, is desprete...

And paying 105 mil on a Japanese pitcher who you know nothing about, isn't..

Nice Avatar btw..

[ChrisTheCop]

no one's quicker to turn on their ex-stars than the sox. except Yankee fans who don't wait for that pesky "ex" part.

fixed it for ya... (see: E-rod come july/august...or poor mariano now)

I also found this quote from Clemens, earlier in his career. I know he's
not running for president, but I thought it topical considering the Cooperstown question:

"It's never in the past. This town (Boston), this ballpark (Fenway Park), are a part of me. I worked here. I gave my all here. That's the bottom line. That will never change."

[El Mudo]

yeah, no other players ever pick money. and the yankee offense is so much better than the red sox. once their pitcher stop dying (hopefully??) we'll see he made the right call.




Read my post again....He's around saying its not about money and its about winning, when it clearly is about money...that makes him a phony. I never said "no players ever pick money". Of course players pick money, but phonies go around and deny that they've picked money, which he clearly has done in this case


Hold on, hold on, HOLD ON.... YOUR GM SAID HE WAS DONE!!!!!



DONE!!!!! You expect him to sign there after your GM said you were done??? Come on... Please..

He was fair, When the new ownership and gm took over.. He said all grudges were gone.. So please stop it. You guys are unloyal and turn on your guys in a whimper.. Same shit with Johnny.. He was a huge catalyst in winning the 1st title in 87 years. And when your organization did NOT want to sign him, and gave him a low offer.. He came to us.. And instead of being class fans and give him a standing O on hos 1st at bat.. You booed the living crap out of him.. So please stop it.. You guys are the most unloyal fans ever.


Because Clemens CLEARLY had phoned in his last few years in Boston...he was fat and terrible and clearly didn't care....WHO WOULDN'T say he was done

And as soon as he went to Toronto and got a big payday, look who decided to lose weight and start pitching again



From Bill Simmons, who follows the Red Sox about as closely as anyone can

Our concerns about Clemens deepened after the '92 campaign, when he signed a four-year, $20 million contract and took much of the next 3½ years off, almost like a professor who gets tenure and doesn't feel like grading papers anymore. Unveiling a historic double chin for the '93 season -- my father's favorite joke that spring was, "Would you like another slice, Roger?" -- Clemens battled arm problems and floundered to the first losing season of his career. He seemed more dedicated during the strike-shortened '94 season (9-7, 2.85 ERA); unfortunately, he stopped working out that winter and showed up for the post-strike spring training in '95 looking like he was auditioning for the "Chris Farley Story."

Fueled by an increasingly vicious Boston media, Sox fans started to turn against Clemens, especially after his inevitable breakdown during the first part of the season (an extended DL stint) coincided with an improbable playoff run by the Red Sox. Of course, Clemens squandered his only playoff start to the Indians, fueling those "can't win the big one" doubts.

That brings us to '96, the final season of Clemens' aforementioned four-year deal. Chunky, disinterested and increasingly vocal about Boston's failure to offer him a contract extension, the Rocket turned on the jets once the team fell out of playoff contention, going 6-2 over his last 10 starts and striking out 20 Tigers during a mid-September game at Detroit. Classic Clemens, through and through. You could always count on him when it mattered least (and yes, I'm getting bitter just remembering this whole thing).

Understandably, the Red Sox were dubious about signing him to another long-term deal, given that he A) was 34 years old; B) battled health problems in '93 and '95; and C) spent a sizable chunk of the past four years hibernating through his last mega-contract (this was the musical equivalent of U2 asking for a contract extension from their record company on the heels of "Zooropa" and "Pop"). Tensions escalated between Clemens' agents (the hideous Hendricks brothers) and Red Sox general manager Dan Duquette, exacerbated by Duquette's steadfast refusal to negotiate during the season or recognize the Rocket's market value. We were headed for a divorce, an ugly one, and the sad thing was this: We knew things were headed that way all along.



And does this sound familiar?? (from the same column)

(And when we found out that Toronto had offered him the most money -- about $2 million to $3 million more than the defending champion Yankees -- and yet Clemens kept maintaining that he signed with the Blue Jays because he wanted to win a championship ... well, that made him a liar, too. Let the record show that Toronto finished 24 games under .500 in Clemens' two seasons above the border.)


Stop defending Clemens simply because you hate the Red Sox....


I miss spoon...

[Kevin]

fixed it for ya... (see: E-rod come july/august...or poor mariano now)

I also found this quote from Clemens, earlier in his career. I know he's
not running for president, but I thought it topical considering the Cooperstown question:

"It's never in the past. This town (Boston), this ballpark (Fenway Park), are a part of me. I worked here. I gave my all here. That's the bottom line. That will never change."


Did Lowell change his name to Rodriguez??

[Kevin]

Because Clemens CLEARLY had phoned in his last few years in Boston...he was fat and terrible and clearly didn't care....WHO WOULDN'T say he was done

And as soon as he went to Toronto and got a big payday, look who decided to lose weight and start pitching again



From Bill Simmons, who follows the Red Sox about as closely as anyone can





And does this sound familiar?? (from the same column)




Stop defending Clemens simply because you hate the Red Sox....


I miss spoon...

Yea, i compleatly misread his post.. I tend to do that alot... I thought he was bashing Clemens for leaving Bos.. My bad..

Where the hell is Spoon anyway??

[sailor]

What a desperate move......GO REDSOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

didn't the sox also try to sign him?

[sailor]

Read my post again....He's around saying its not about money and its about winning, when it clearly is about money...that makes him a phony. I never said "no players ever pick money". Of course players pick money, but phonies go around and deny that they've picked money, which he clearly has done in this case

Because Clemens CLEARLY had phoned in his last few years in Boston...he was fat and terrible and clearly didn't care....WHO WOULDN'T say he was done

And as soon as he went to Toronto and got a big payday, look who decided to lose weight and start pitching again.



Stop defending Clemens simply because you hate the Red Sox....


I miss spoon...

do people understand how you cash in on leaving one team? you have the monster year BEFORE you leave (then stink it up with the new team). it's called a contract year, and what clemens did was the exact, polar opposite of this. he signed with toronto after two crappy years (because of management fights, which simmons does readily attest to) for less than he would if he'd busted his butt those last two years. what clemens did when leaving the red sox was NOTHING like that. if you want to argue that that's what he did with his monster toronto years, that's different. clemens was ridden out of town on a rail by red sox management and you have no one but dan duquette to blame for that.

and, most players go for the money and then say it's not aboot the money. i understand your point aboot clemens, but he's not a special or even abnormal case. it's what everyone does.

and, stop attacking clemens because you hate the yankees. it works both ways. and if you think yankee fans would be crying if clemens signed with the sox, you're sadly mistaken.

[Dan 'Hampton]

Haven't we seen how this ends already?

[sailor]

Haven't we seen how this ends already?

race war!!

[A.J.]

Yea, i compleatly misread his post.. I tend to do that alot... I thought he was bashing Clemens for leaving Bos.. My bad..

Where the hell is Spoon anyway??

No worries.

Spoon's getting ready for 3 days of hosting the Red Sox.

[Dan 'Hampton]

No worries.

Spoon's getting ready for 3 days of hosting the Red Sox.

Ugh the only thing good about playin in Toronto is the Beer Girls.http://www.survivinggrady.com/uploaded_images/beergirls3-782347.jpg
Okay maybe just the one on the right. But from the CF cam they're all lookers.

[Lash LaRue]

Sox don't need him...

[lleeder]

I don't know if anyone already brought this up but I think they should do a reality show about Clemens comeback. It could chronicle his workouts and time in the minor leagues and culiminate with his first game. It would fit nicely on the YES schedule somewhere between Ultimate Roadtrip and a replay of the 1999 series with the Mets.

[cougarjake13]

Ugh the only thing good about playin in Toronto is the Beer Girls.http://www.survivinggrady.com/uploaded_images/beergirls3-782347.jpg
Okay maybe just the one on the right. But from the CF cam they're all lookers.

i'd still do both of them

[cougarjake13]

Yea, i compleatly misread his post.. I tend to do that alot... I thought he was bashing Clemens for leaving Bos.. My bad..

Where the hell is Spoon anyway??

i think the clemens signing with the yanks was just too much for him to handle and his head exploded from the anger

[TheMojoPin]

Isn't the Yankees biggest problems with their starters, besides injuries, that they can't seem to go more than 5-6 innings, tops?

Doesn't Clemens typically only go 5-6 innings, tops?

[sailor]

i'd still do both of them

you'd "still" do both of them? hahaha

[crb1]

Isn't the Yankees biggest problems with their starters, besides injuries, that they can't seem to go more than 5-6 innings, tops?

Doesn't Clemens typically only go 5-6 innings, tops?

The Yankees would be thrilled if he averaged 6 innings. Most pitchers don't. Johan Santana is probably the best pitcher in baseball, and even he didn't average 7 innings a start last season.

And 5-6 innings is still better than what they've been getting. They have basically run out of alternatives due to injury (Pavano, Hughes) or just plain crappiness (Igawa). Clemens gives them a middle of the rotation starter that can help balance the rotation and maybe even teach Hughes a couple of things (when he comes back).

[crb1]

Read my post again....He's around saying its not about money and its about winning, when it clearly is about money...that makes him a phony. I never said "no players ever pick money". Of course players pick money, but phonies go around and deny that they've picked money, which he clearly has done in this case

Name ONE player that has ever said "I'm signing here because they wrote the biggest check." You would have to be an idiot to say it. They always ask that "Why did you sign here?" question even though everyone knows the answer. The only time anyone should ask that is if an All Star signs with Tampa Bay for $2 million a season. Beyond that, we all know the answer.


Because Clemens CLEARLY had phoned in his last few years in Boston...he was fat and terrible and clearly didn't care....WHO WOULDN'T say he was done

And as soon as he went to Toronto and got a big payday, look who decided to lose weight and start pitching again



I've heard this before, and it really doesn't make sense. If he was that concerned with his big payday, wouldn't he have just stayed in shape in Boston? That way he would have made even more money when he signed the next deal whether it was with Boston or someplace else.

[crb1]

fixed it for ya... (see: E-rod come july/august...or poor mariano now)

I also found this quote from Clemens, earlier in his career. I know he's
not running for president, but I thought it topical considering the Cooperstown question:

"It's never in the past. This town (Boston), this ballpark (Fenway Park), are a part of me. I worked here. I gave my all here. That's the bottom line. That will never change."


I think it has already been said in this thread, but it's not even his decision. They stopped that when players started auctioning off whose hat they wore into the hall (Nolan!).

I think he still goes in as a Red Sox, although if he keeps on going for a couple more decent season, he'll have won almost as many games away from Boston as he did when he played there. Currently it's 192 (Boston) - 156 (everywhere else).

[A.J.]

Name ONE player that has ever said "I'm signing here because they wrote the biggest check."

ARod with the Texas Rangers?

[crb1]

ARod with the Texas Rangers?

Yeah right. Like Scott Boras would ever let one of his clients go somewhere for the money.

[RingWraith]

Ugh the only thing good about playin in Toronto is the Beer Girls.http://www.survivinggrady.com/uploaded_images/beergirls3-782347.jpg
Okay maybe just the one on the right. But from the CF cam they're all lookers.



I always noticed for the past couple of years hotties behind home plate serving stuff when watching the Yanks visiting Toronto.
I think they wore like white tops like a year or two ago, now they wear black. Either way, they definite distraction while watching a game.

[TheMojoPin]

The Yankees would be thrilled if he averaged 6 innings. Most pitchers don't. Johan Santana is probably the best pitcher in baseball, and even he didn't average 7 innings a start last season.

And 5-6 innings is still better than what they've been getting. They have basically run out of alternatives due to injury (Pavano, Hughes) or just plain crappiness (Igawa). Clemens gives them a middle of the rotation starter that can help balance the rotation and maybe even teach Hughes a couple of things (when he comes back).

Thing is, Clemens lasting 6 innings is a rarity, as you seem to be agreeing with. He' susually going to give you 5 innings. That's not a lot.

[crb1]

Thing is, Clemens lasting 6 innings is a rarity, as you seem to be agreeing with. He' susually going to give you 5 innings. That's not a lot.

I think if he gives them 5+ a start, while occasionally going 6 or 7, and pitches well (sometimes good, sometimes dominant, sometimes average), he would be giving the team what they expect. Do I know that for sure? No. But I think Cashman is smart enough, and realistic enough, to know what can be expected from Clemens.

Again though, they've pulled two guys from AA to make repeated starts while sending their high-priced international signing to A ball, so 5+ innings of 3.50 ERA probably looks pretty good right now.

[drjoek]

Mussina called him a#2 or 3 starter now. Ill take that don't know if thats worht 18 million but its not my money. Well actually it is my money Season ticket f plan, Parking, food oh well ....

[JPMNICK]

I think if he gives them 5+ a start, while occasionally going 6 or 7, and pitches well (sometimes good, sometimes dominant, sometimes average), he would be giving the team what they expect. Do I know that for sure? No. But I think Cashman is smart enough, and realistic enough, to know what can be expected from Clemens.

Again though, they've pulled two guys from AA to make repeated starts while sending their high-priced international signing to A ball, so 5+ innings of 3.50 ERA probably looks pretty good right now.

I would think the manager would have to realize this, and use one of the younger starters as his fill in for 3+ innings. Not a phillip hueghes, but maybe that kid who pitched 2 nights ago when they lost on the bad call. his sole job might be to pitch every 5 days, like a normal started, but really just be middle relief for clemens.

[crb1]

I would think the manager would have to realize this, and use one of the younger starters as his fill in for 3+ innings. Not a phillip hueghes, but maybe that kid who pitched 2 nights ago when they lost on the bad call. his sole job might be to pitch every 5 days, like a normal started, but really just be middle relief for clemens.

You know this brings up a good point about the Yankee bullpen...they don't have a long relief guy out there.

No mop up guy to come in and toss 3 innings when they're winning big or losing big. I think it's a good idea to have a guy like that. He might only pitch twice a week, but it's twice a week you could let the rest of the pen rest.

It looked like Igawa was going to be that guy until Karstens got hurt.

[JPMNICK]

You know this brings up a good point about the Yankee bullpen...they don't have a long relief guy out there.

No mop up guy to come in and toss 3 innings when they're winning big or losing big. I think it's a good idea to have a guy like that. He might only pitch twice a week, but it's twice a week you could let the rest of the pen rest.

It looked like Igawa was going to be that guy until Karstens got hurt.

Yea, Igawa might be perfect in that role. Maybe after a few weeks down in A ball will do it.

I hate how they bring in pettite to do relief sometimes. he is getting old, why risk his arm? they really do need a solid middle reliever.

and i keep hearing about how mariano is struggling because he is not throwing enough innings, so why not put him in the 7th or 8th inning in a game where you are winning or losing by a lot just to get him some work.

[ralphbxny]

Yea, Igawa might be perfect in that role. Maybe after a few weeks down in A ball will do it.

I hate how they bring in pettite to do relief sometimes. he is getting old, why risk his arm? they really do need a solid middle reliever.

and i keep hearing about how mariano is struggling because he is not throwing enough innings, so why not put him in the 7th or 8th inning in a game where you are winning or losing by a lot just to get him some work.

Now your making sense and I wont have it!!

[lleeder]

Clemens out with tired groin.
http://http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070602&content_id=2000937&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy (http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070602&content_id=2000937&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy)

[Fallon]

Clemens out with tired groin.
http://http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070602&content_id=2000937&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy (http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070602&content_id=2000937&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy)

Must have fucked his bags of cash too hard.

[cougarjake13]

didnt even see it until after i posted but notice the sign in the background




not so fast my friend !!!!


http://www.rammerjammeryellowhammer.com/weblog/archives/Corso1.jpg

[A.J.]

Clemens out with tired groin.

Maybe his BFF Andy Pettitte can massage it for him.

[Ritalin]

They had the YES Network on at the gym today, and they were doing an hour long handjob to ol' Rocket Roger. (aside - Does YES air any "classic" games where the Yankees lose?)

I had a couple of observations: First, Clemens was/is a classic bully. Talented. Hall of Famer. But a bully. And, like most bullies, couldn't handle it when the pressure was on, like in the post season.

And he came way too far inside, far too often.

Second, Mike Piazza was/is kind of a pussy. Especially in the Series when Clemens whipped that bat at him, it was just time for Piazza to get out there and punch Clemens in the face. Heck, he may have even lost the fight (Clemens is a big guy, after all), but at least Piazza would have stood up a little bit.

And Shawn Estes is a disgraceful little girl.

You know what Clemens is? He's kind of a douchbag.

[JimBeam]

I used to be a big Clemens fan, before the Yankees, and even defended him on everything including messing w/ Piazza, but he jist now comes off as a douche.

I had the last straw after his interview after his last minor league start when he was complaining about negativity.

Insinuated to the one reported that he couldnt question Clemens because he " had never been in this arena ".

So now only former baseball players can ask questions ?

What a dick.

He's in such great shape and his workout regiment is so good that now he's sidelined with an injury.

I can't wait for him to be 0-2 w/ a 5.50 ERA

[drjoek]

Rockets ready to launch Saturday