Last night Roger Clemens announced that he will take the mound again for the Sugarland Skeeters, on Friday, September 7th. The first time he pitched I was just curious to see if he could still throw, or if he would embarrass himself. Well, he can still throw. And now I want to see how far he can take it.
I’ve pretty much been anti-Clemens since 1993, when he followed up an All-Star campaign (18-11, 2.41 ERA) with an absolute dud, going 11-14 with a 4.46 ERA. After 9 great seasons in a Red Sox uniform (152-72, 2.80 ERA combined), he tortured us with what at best can only be described as 4 years of mediocrity (between ’93 and ’96 he was 40-39 with a 3.77 ERA) before moving on to Toronto, New York, and Houston where he pitched spectacularly for 10 more years (from 1997-2006 he was 156-67 with a 3.17 ERA). He then went back to the Yankees for one final season to really stick it to Boston. But for some inexplicable reason, I am fascinated by his return. It doesn’t make any sense. I don’t understand why.
I can’t wait to watch what he does a week from tomorrow. And then I want it to continue. The Houston Astros are a joke this year. They’ve got nothing to lose; and enormous media exposure, a nationally televised game, and ticket/concession/jersey sales to gain. Their last home game is Wednesday, September 26th against the St. Louis Cardinals. I’d like to see Roger Clemens start it.
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About Mark Vandeusen