Countdown

You'd think with all the contracts and marketing with FOX that they'd be showing Roger Clemens' start today, but it's not going to be on down here in the DC area (and MLB TV has it blacked out until it's archieved). So a big F you to 'em. Not that I'd like to hear the Buck, McCarver combo, but I'd like to watch it live. Maybe I'll tune into 88.0 AM if I can get it here.

It's been a month since we started this blog and we're 46 posts in. The first two posts started with Clemens, so I thought I'd return to him since today's his 2007 debut. Here are the big five questions in my mind as Clemens starts his season.

1. Is Clemens worth the money?

Well, I guess the Yankees look at it this way. He came out of retirement, didn't stay with Houston and didn't go to Boston. In the minds of Steinbrenner and Co. that's probably worth it. Everyone knew he wouldn't come cheap. Clemens can still pitch well at 44, is a huge draw for baseball fans (at home and away), and a huge presence for his team. And we all know he's practically in the HOF already. Based on the way the last three seasons have gone with his retirement, out-of-retirement scheme, this is the price that's paid to have Roger Clemens.

2. How will Clemens help the Yankees?

One man cannot help bring the Yankees back into a position to get a playoff spot. Especially one that will presumably pitch every five days (by the way, it still hasn't been clear to me if Clemens will pitch on the road. I think if he wants to win a championship he's gotta pitch every five days unless his body is tired). But Clemens gives the Yankees a better chance to win when he pitches given the way the rotation has shaken out this year so far. Also, and I know I keep harping on this, but his presence is a motivating factor. As a baseball player, I'm not sure how you cannot look up to Clemens, seek out his advice, hold him up as a team leader, and on days he pitches do your best not to disappoint him.

3. Will Clemens' pitching be effective in the AL East?

This is a tricky question and I don't want to make a ridiculous prediction here. Clemens will have his share of bumps in the road as all pitchers do. It's been four years since he pitched in the AL East and I'd say all the teams' offenses are better now than they were back then (I should check this though). Knowing Clemens, he thrives on competition and he will do whatever it takes since the bar is higher for him now. But what is effective in the AL East? I could try to put numbers to it but I won't. What is not effective though is not giving the Yankees a chance to beat Boston or Baltimore or Toronto or Tampa Bay when he pitches against them.

4. Can Clemens' body hold up another year?

I'm a bit concerned about this one. Being completely honest here, it seems like Clemens' put on a few extra pounds this offseason. Maybe he's shed some and will continue to build stamina, but after watching his second minor league start in Trenton he looked like he was laboring. That was about two weeks ago. Then came the groin issue this past week pushing back his start. Red flag right there. But Will Carrol's Under the Knife has me feeling a bit better:

The groin probably won't have any effect on Clemens' performance, though there could be a slight effect on velocity and on how long Clemens will be able to sustain that velocity. I'm expecting a smart pitcher like Clemens to make an adjustment and use more breaking pitches and splitters. In the longer term, the groin problem isn't likely to do much; scar tissue is scar tissue, and like Clemens, it never goes away.

But still I worry. If it's not the groin it could be hamstrings or calf--whatever. Clemens' is still a power pitcher and relies on his legs. He may require additional days off here and there to get through the season, but Clemens is someone who knows his body, its limits and not to push it to the point of injury. He'll be closely monitored not only by himself but by the trainer staff.

5. How does this season determine Clemens' decision to return or not next year?

I can't say how Clemens determines whether he should come back, it could be the money thing--yes--but I believe he just loves pitching. No matter how his season goes, I think he'll be back next year. I won't speculate with who, but here's my rationale. Clemens wants to pitch. He also wants to win another championship before hanging it up. Let's say he has a pretty good year pitching. Well, in Roger's mind I guess he can still pitch, so why not another year. I also think the opposite is true. He has a terrible year, but why would Roger Clemens go out like that? He'll be back in that case too to prove he can still throw Mr. Splitty and all.

I'll end with this. No matter what your opinion is on Clemens this year, he's still a great pitcher and if he's on TV (damn FOX) or pitching at your team's stadium, I don't doubt that you'll consider watching him. He's one of the best pitchers in our time and if you're a true baseball fan, you have to appreciate to some level the guy's still just that.