Roger Clemens continues to work out daily to keep his body in shape for his inevitable return. As of March 29th both his arm and leg strength were at about 90% according to his personal trainers. They speculated that Clemens would be 100% MLB ready by mid April (which is right about now). As it stands currently Clemens is sitting at 348 wins and 4,604 Ks, he's fighting off Greg Maddux who is sitting at 334 wins and Randy Johnson who has 4,544 Ks. You can bet your very last dollar that these two are playing a very big role in Clemen's decision to return. Koby Clemens continues to do well in the minors and has real potential to make the bigs a few years down the road. He packs some power and has been praised for his plate discipline. Deep down Roger would love to spend one season with his son in Houston's organization, but unfortunately, Koby's entrance is at least another two years. I personally think that Clemens is trying to hold out for that one magical season and finally retire after it happens.
So when can we expect an announcement? Based upon information given by Clemens himself, his personal trainers, and close friends we're getting close. We may be hearing ESPN's announcers falling out of their chairs as soon as April 28th but no later than May 12th. However, the announcement will not nessesarly mean a quick return afterwards. He may spend another month fielding his offers from the regular attendees (Boston, New York, & Houston).
So now you're asking, which team has the best shot? Well, I can tell you which one has the least amount, and that's the Boston Red Sox. Boston isn't hurting in the pitching area with the signing of Dice K and the great pitching from Beckett and Schilling. They're likely to throw some money his way but are less likely to go all out in a bidding war. So this leaves the real two contenders, the New York Yankees, and the Houston Astros. Andy Pettitte is probably already been on the phone with Roger and most likely already knows where Clemens stands. His first choice will most definitely be the Houston Astros, but in all likelihood Clemens will get a better offer from the DL riddled New York Yankees. The real choice comes down to Koby, If Clemens believes that Koby may see some action with the Houston Astros sometime this season, even for a short stint. Clemens will take the offer from Houston and join their club in early June. If, however, Clemens sees that Koby is still a few years off (which scouts are saying he is) he'll join up with Pettitte in hopes for one last World Series ride.
Chance that Koby Clemens gets the call to play in the bigs = 10%
Chance that Roger Clemens returns = 96%
Playing for the Red Sox = 10%
Playing for the Astros = 40%
Playing for the Yankees = 50%
Here's to Clemens, the man with best gig in all of baseball.
