| has posted odds offering bettors the chance | | | | Randy Johnson keeps looking his age, can |
| to predict which Major League Baseball team | | | | George Steinbrenner make Roger Clemens an |
| Roger Clemens will return to. Clemens is | | | | offer he can't refuse? Could happen, but |
| clearly enjoying the attention he is | | | | George will never let Clemens skip road trips |
| garnering from his four suitors. Let's take | | | | in fear that all of his stable of superstars |
| a look at how Clemens has played this | | | | will demand the same special treatment. At |
| situation thus far, and how it will play out | | | | 1:2, this is not a good bet. |
| at the end. | | | | |
| | | | FINISH WHERE HE STARTED |
| THE EASY MARK: | | | | |
| | | | Imagine the nostalgic feeling of coming back |
| Roger Clemens enjoyed opening day in | | | | where you began your career, and leading that |
| Arlington Stadium, sitting next to owner Tom | | | | team to a World Series. What a perfect |
| Hicks. When Clemens was introduced and shown | | | | symmetry to a career. Almost like a movie |
| on the scoreboard, the fans went crazy. Do | | | | script. Only the impact of leading the Red |
| the Rangers, who have gone all these years | | | | Sox to a World Series is not nearly what it |
| searching for pitching, really have a shot at | | | | was two years ago. The Red Sox already have |
| Roger Clemens? Well, the Rangers are an | | | | had a hero who started in their organization |
| improved team, with Kevin Millwood leading | | | | come back and lead them to the Promised Land. |
| some young up-and-coming pitchers. And it | | | | And that hero wore a bloody Red Sock. How can |
| would do wonders for Clemens' legend to ride | | | | Clemens possibly top that? Besides, if the |
| into Arlington on his horse and lead them to | | | | Red Sox really get close, Mr. Steinbrenner |
| their first World Series. Is it going to | | | | may very well make him an offer he can't |
| happen? No. Why would Clemens pitch in a | | | | refuse. At 1:1, I just can't see this as a |
| hitter's park for a team which, despite their | | | | good bet. |
| improvements, is not a serious World Series | | | | |
| contender? More likely, Roger was paying | | | | FINISH WHAT HE STARTED |
| attention when Tom Hicks bid against himself | | | | |
| to sign Alex Rodriguez to his | | | | The first year, Clemens led the Astros to the |
| franchise-crippling $250 million dollar | | | | playoffs. His second year, he helped them to |
| contract. This is exactly the type of guy you | | | | their first World Series. Why not finish |
| want to draw into the bidding. has the odds | | | | what he started? The Astros are off to a |
| on Clemens going to the Rangers at 6-1. Trust | | | | great start. Besides, the Mets, Cardinals |
| me, it's far longer than that. | | | | and, possibly the Phillies, who can you |
| | | | remotely predict can stop them from at least |
| AN OFFER HE CAN'T REFUSE: | | | | getting there? His best friend Andy Pettitte |
| | | | has mentioned the possibility of retirement |
| Roger Clemens still keeps in touch with | | | | after this year (Don't bet on that, though). |
| buddies Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada, and | | | | Houston offers him a chance to stay close to |
| there were reports that Jeter had his ear | | | | home and it lets him skip those pesky road |
| during the World Baseball Classic. And if | | | | trips. They have already made him a generous |
| Clemens is looking for a sure bet to get to | | | | contract offer. The odds are 2:1. |
| the playoffs, it's been a while since the | | | | |
| Yanks sat out October. Can Clemens return to | | | | After all that analysis, it must come down to |
| the Yankees? Probably not. Roger Clemens | | | | this: If you could work closer to home, |
| already got a Hummer as a retirement gift, | | | | travel less, and not have to work as hard, |
| and you have to figure, after feasting on | | | | for similar money, what would you do? Come |
| weaker National League number eight hitters, | | | | on, this may be Roger Clemens, but it is not |
| and pitchers' feeble attempts to catch up to | | | | rocket science. Bet the 2:1 on him returning |
| his fastball, he might not be dying to face | | | | to the Astros. It may be the best bet |
| more formidable American League lineups. If | | | | available on the entire website. |