Clemens having second thoughts about retirement

[jacksonianmarch]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?...=.jsp&c_id=mlb

he says that he is 20% going to return. This is in contrast to what he said last month when he said he was going to come back because he was failing at retirement. I honestly could see him retiring, now that I think about it. Last yr he had the carrot of the WBC to get himself into shape, but rumor has it that he is pretty far from being game ready. Maybe he started kicking in the workouts and noticed he was far behind.

[a700hitter]

You can't trust a word that comes out of his mouth.

[jacksonianmarch]

I agree. I am actually quietly hoping he doesnt come back so we can see what Hughes can do.

[kreinbihl34]

You will see how Hughes does... and Roger, when he comes back to Boston. I'm not saying this because of the whole story that could go along with it. The reason he'll be back is money, the Red Sox will give it to him. Then after retirement he'll be doing some ads and public showings in Boston for a nice pay-check.

[jacksonianmarch]

There is no way the yankees get outbid. If Clem goes to the sox, it is for nostalgia.

[schillingouttheks]

Originally Posted by kreinbihl34

You will see how Hughes does... and Roger, when he comes back to Boston. I'm not saying this because of the whole story that could go along with it. The reason he'll be back is money, the Red Sox will give it to him. Then after retirement he'll be doing some ads and public showings in Boston for a nice pay-check.

If the Red Sox give Roger the money he wants, I'll be pissed. He's not worth it for half a year, and he wouldn't even do that well here. Use that money to upgrade the bullpen where we need the most help.

[a700hitter]

Originally Posted by jacksonianmarch

There is no way the yankees get outbid. If Clem goes to the sox, it is for nostalgia.

It will be for money. The Red Sox will match the Yankees. The marketing opportunities in Boston and the opportunity for a long term financial relationship with the Red Sox will tip the scales in favor of the Red Sox.

[jacksonianmarch]

Originally Posted by schillingouttheks

If the Red Sox give Roger the money he wants, I'll be pissed. He's not worth it for half a year, and he wouldn't even do that well here. Use that money to upgrade the bullpen where we need the most help.

This is the question I am finding me asking myself. Is it worth it on either end. I think Clemens would be a solid mentor to have around if Hughes were in the rotation as well, but that wont be the case, so no check mark there. Clemens has become a 6 inning pitcher, so his toll on the pen could be just as massive as Jaret Wright's. And his production will likely be in the 3ish ERA range, which would be his only saving grace. Every 5th day for the last half of the yr, you'll get 5-6 good innings. He'll be an upgrade, no doubt, but the question is whether the yankees should add depth to a position that has multiple solid kids ready to take the reigns. If Clemens in NY means no Hughes for this yr, I think I'd rather pass.

And for the sox, adding clemens does nothing for the playoff rotation assuming Wake is bumped. And if Paps goes back to closing, you are risking the career of one of the most promising young pitchers in the game. At the same time, you surge past the salary cap and likely wont be able to add any back end relief, which is really the avenue the sox should be looking.

Overall, if you are talking in terms of need, he doesnt fit either team well. The fact that the yankees have a suspect #4 and #5 slot makes them the most logical destination, but with Hughes and Sanchez ready right now, it may come at the expense of the growth of this young, power armed farm.

[a700hitter]

Originally Posted by jacksonianmarch

And for the sox, adding clemens does nothing for the playoff rotation assuming Wake is bumped. And if Paps goes back to closing, you are risking the career of one of the most promising young pitchers in the game. At the same time, you surge past the salary cap and likely wont be able to add any back end relief, which is really the avenue the sox should be looking.

Wakefield would hit the pen and he'd serve as a valuable long arm helping the pen. As for the getting help for the back end of the pen, the FO has plenty of $.

Originally Posted by jacksonianmarch

...but with Hughes and Sanchez ready right now, it may come at the expense of the growth of this young, power armed farm.

How much have you had to drink tonight?

[jacksonianmarch]

I am of the belief that Hughes could match Clemens production in the AL East this yr, potentially surpass it.

[jacksonianmarch]

and moving wake to the pen does nothing for you. Wakefield as a reliever is a horrible idea. He is way too unpredictable to handle any hgh stress innings, and that is where the sox problems will lie. The only way to fill all needs would be to move Paps back to closing, but you risk his career by doing that.

And ya, the FO has a ton of money. But they will not go past Clemens if they get him.

[a700hitter]

Wakefield has performed well in long relief in the past. He would definitely help the pen.

[jacksonianmarch]

I can agree there, but that is long relief. The sox need a closer and the current cast of characters does not look good for it. The current setup men are aging and coming off career worst performances. The only thing that would make sense would be Paps to the closers role.

[a700hitter]

Originally Posted by jacksonianmarch

I can agree there, but that is long relief. The sox need a closer and the current cast of characters does not look good for it. The current setup men are aging and coming off career worst performances. The only thing that would make sense would be Paps to the closers role.

If Papelbon goes back to the pen, that will happen regardless of whether they land Clemens.

[jacksonianmarch]

that is true, good point.