Rocket's Farewell

Lost in the shuffle of Joe Torre’s job being in limbo, another early exit for the Yankees from the playoffs, and all of the other general mayhem in Yankee land is that last Sunday, October 7th, we all likely saw what is to be the end of Roger Clemens career. While no official announcement has been made yet, and likely won’t for awhile, Clemens last pitch in Game 3 of the ALDS vs. Cleveland was likely his last pitch of a storied career. Clemens performance this season has likely dropped off enough where he will finally decide to hang ‘em up for good. Clemens body no longer seems able to withstand the wear and tear of even a half a season, as he battled many injuries ranging from his hamstring, groin, and elbow throughout the season. Clemens finished the 2007 campaign at 6-6 with a 4.18 ERA and finished his illustrious career 354-184 with a 3.12 ERA and 4672 K’s. Clemens ranks 8th on the all time wins list and 2nd on the all time strikeout list and is obviously a first round ballot hall of famer. Which hat he wears in the HOF is another question, although it still seems likely to be the Red Sox. Clemens has won 2 World Series rings, both with the Yankees, and has appeared in 6 World Series all together (1 with Boston, 4 with the Yankees, and 1 with the Astros). Clemens work ethic and conditioning are well documented, and it’s the main reason he’s been able to pitch to the age of 45. At some points, even as late as the 2006 season, it seemed as if Clemens would be able to pitch forever. However, seeing as how his ERA nearly doubled this year from last year’s 2.30 ERA, the Rocket may choose to finally call it a career now that he no longer seems capable of performing at the level he has been accustomed to.
Of course, in another twist of events, when asked about retirement on October 12th, Clemens would not rule out another return in the 2008 season. When asked about retirement, Clemens said: "You know, I haven't been very good at this. I thought last year was good. I thought three or four years ago was good.” On the other hand, Clemens wife Debbie has been quoted as saying that she thinks its time for Roger to finally retire. "I think he's ready to do the barbecue and come home,” Debbie said of her husband. Clemens seems unlikely to make a decision anytime soon, but if some team is still willing to give him a pro-rated $28 million for half a season then he may be tempted to return for a 25th season. The Yankees seems unlikely to go that route again, unless Clemens agrees to a severely reduced pay (fat chance) or perhaps if it would sway Andy Pettitte to return next season. The Astros seem somewhat feasible to land Clemens for next season even after being burned by him last season, if nothing else then for the crowd draw. If this truly is it for Roger Clemens, one of the greatest pitchers of all time, then it is somewhat sad that he exited to a smattering of boos in his last appearance, while leaving after an injury in the playoffs. At least he can look back at his exit in the 2003 World Series to see his proper farewell, the first time he retired.