We Have Lift-Off!
New York YankeesShare This Post May 6th, 2007Houston, we have solved the problem. A day after Chien-Ming Wang’s bid for perfection in the Bronx, Yankees Stadium was treated to another day of encouragement as Roger Clemens announced to the fans his incumbent return to pinstripes. The coveted pitcher approaching his 45th birthday ended speculation to where he would pitch in 2007, choosing New York over Boston and Houston. Although the move brings instant relief to the struggling rotation it comes with a heavy pricetag, $28M for a prorated season. But in a city that hasn’t seen a World Series parade in six years, it is hard to believe that money was on anyones mind in the Bronx. What is and will be on the minds of every fan until his return to the mound are the winning expectations of a seven time Cy Young winner with 348 career victories and 4604 strikeouts.
The addition of Roger Clemens to the Yankees rotation delivers a formidable message to the rest of the league, especially the Boston Red Sox. In a chain of demoralizing events to Red Sox Nation, the signing of Clemens follows Tom Brady and David Ortiz sporting Yankees caps as yet another blow during the off-field media Cold War between the rivals. With all the pieces in place under the demands of Clemens, it seems it wasn’t enough to persuade a return to the Red Sox. Their strong rotation and conflict between Curt Schilling may have overshadowed their hot start but the ultimate decision could hardly be considered unexpected, especially with Clemens’ passion for the spotlight, New York’s history and the strong relationships that have remained inside a clubhouse that has left a locker vacant for him all season.
On the field, Clemens not only brings much needed power to a finesse staff, he brings the intimidation and competitiveness that fuels the winning expectations of New York. Following three successful seasons in Houston, Clemens returns to pinstripes looking at run support he has not seen since his departure following the 2003 season. The transition back into the American League may prove to magnify the microscopic ERA he has carried in the NL, but the All-Star lineup batting behind him more than makes up for his needs to put together a winning season in New York. So let the season begin in June as Roger Clemens looks to start a new chapter in the story book career to one of baseball’s greatest all-time pitchers as he attempts to deliver the elusive 27th World Series Championship to the New York showcase. 27 in ‘07 is back!
(8 votes, average: 4.13 out of 5)
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May 8th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
First off, welcome back Roger! I don’t know whether or not Rogers’ return equals an automatic playoff berth, but it will help drastically. I think his off the mound effect will be greater than that of when he pitches. Take for instance the Boston rotation as of now. They have someone like Schilling who is a mentor to the likes of Josh Beckett and Dice K Matsuzaka. They all compliment each other very well. Look at the Yankees on the other hand. It seems as if some new rookie from double A is starting every other game. No cohesiveness. But can you imagine once our rotation is healty and also adds Roger to the mix. The two best friends Petite and Clemens mentoring the young Phil Hughes and Matt DeSalvo. When the level of play is raised as it will be once the starters return, these youngsters are going to step up their game. I’m sure you’ll see Clemens on the top step watching every pitch from Hughes. Clemens, Petite, Wang, Mussina, and Hughes plus Murderer’s Row and Cano? Beware MLB… you are about to wake a sleeping giant!