I was waiting for someone to say something about "The Rocket" along these lines. It's about time.

I was personally sick and tired of hearing about him coming or not coming back. He should have been with the rest of the "team" from the beginning of the season (spring).

Yes, he is (was) a great player (didn't he retire a Yankee?) but why should he be any different than any other player who has ever played the sport? I don't get it. And why any team would allow this is beyond me as well.

Getting paid mega millions doesn't bother me at all, because I honestly believe the players deserve it, if they generate the revenue. But no one deserves the type of special treatment Roger is getting.

He really defines the "I" in team, huh?

Three thoughts on this:

1. Clemens got 18 Million dollars last year, shouldn't that be enough to pay for the 4 million dollar bargain he got in 2004??? Apparently not. Astros's Owner still feels guilty.

2. Baseball teams ought to be wise with Clemens. He's a two year period superstar. He did it with the BJays, and the Yanks had to wait two years to see Clemens at his best again. I say the 'Stros are in big trouble come September.

3. This is wy the game is not pure anymore. How can a player be so influential? From Clemens, to You Know Who, to Jeter...this game is sucking the interesting of everybody around.

I would hate to play the "Rocket" in poker let alone trying to hit his famous fastball. Let's face it, the guy played this hand perfectly...tease three other teams and watch your value increase! Did I say the "price of poker just went up?" :)
Thanks Dennis Urlaub

Hey - most here in Houston felt all along that Rocket would be back in May or June. It is not shocking to the community or the team. Hopefully it works out well for all as Clemens tired in late August and September last year. By starting in late June, he should be strong the entire year. While he beefs up a young rotation, we still need a lively bat and addition to the pen to compete again this fall.

As a lifelong NYY fan I never liked this diva before, during or after his "tenure" with the Yanks. He's always been about him and nothing but the Benjamins. Since he was barely a five-inning pitcher his last year w/the Yanks, it's no surprise how well he's done in the weak-hitting NL. Does anyone else remember the first inning of the '04 All-Star game in Houston when he was lit up like a Christmas tree by the AL All-Stars? Piazza was catching and it's my funniest memory of Mr. Baseball Diva.

I look forward to his 5+ ERA and 3-10 record at the end of the year.

The next obvious question is, what's to stop other superstars from possibly using the same tactic? We may look back on this as the beginning of the "half season diva" era. I'll bet there are several AL teams who wouldn't mind Barry Bonds, after resting those knees for the first half of the season, as a second half DH to add some offensive pop to a pennant race...

I don't understand why Clemens return bother you so much. Is it jealousy? Or is your favorite team an Astros division opponent? The man didn't put a gun on the Astros head, and yes, as an Astros fan, I wish he would have started to pitch in June last year so he would have been in better shape for the playoffs.The special treatment Roger has gotten for the past 2 seasons didn't bother his teamates (just like the one Bagwell got), so why it bothers you "fans" and reporters, that's beyond my understanding.

I agree 100%. It's easy to say the salaries in sports are way out of line, but it never gets old hearing it.

I am a big baseball and football fan, but I can't remeber the last game I attended. The ticket prices, the concessions, it's all a rip off, and isn't that something worth addressing by owners? Surely Clemens has enough money.

Maybe he treats his other employees well, but wouldn't it be nice to see the owner of the Astros take 75% of that $22 million and give raises across the board to his scouts, third base coach, janitors, free parking for ticket holders, the concession stand guys, etc. - and go easy on continually driving up baseball salaries?

Next year let's see if the Rocket can wait until September, and get paid $50 million for two months work.

rocket says there is no "i" in team but there is me. as a sox fan roger thanks for nothing.i can only hope if you show up as a fan in fenway you get a reaction from the crowd that makes damon's seem heartwarming. you teased red sox nation to stuff more money in your pocket.it's ok though pitching in the a.l. east is nothing you could handle anymore.i hope you sleep well. oh and don't you think if your son was as talented as you seem to think he could make it to the show without his daddy pulling the strings?

I too am a lifelong Yankee fan, but unlike some of the other posters here, I was thrilled when he was part of our rotation and was excited of the posibility of his return. So to hear he's returning to the Astros does sting a little. But besides my Yankee selfishness, I'm glad to see him with the Astros over any other team in MLB. He'll fill the seats in Houston and give the fans something to cheer about.
He may make a ton of money, but what should the most dominant pitcher in baseball make? Sky's the limit.

It's funny to see some of the comments being made here. First of all, Clemens is not making $22M, it works out to about $12M pro-rated. Next check the attendance figures when Clemens pitches vs. other games. Drayton Mclaine is a smart business man. Finally look at his pitching stats the last few years. He had an ERA below 2.00 last year and if had gotten decent run support he would have won 20 games and another Cy Young award. He began to wear down at the end of the season and in the playoffs - well he is 43 years old. So having him only pitch for half the year sounds pretty smart to me. The Astros are going to need to start hitting the ball and get Brad Lidge's head screwed back on straight, or they won't make the playoffs.

Here is Houston's offense:

1. No Bagwell
2. Slumping Jason Lane
3. Ill Lance Berkman (get this guy alone carry the team?)
4. Preston Wilson (King of the K-need I say more...)
5. Ausmus?
6. Ensberg (not enough)

Something tells me that with a hot NL West and NL East and not to mention Pujols and Cardinals that the Stros have a stugggle. I would not be surprised if the stros trade the rocket after July 31 when they realize its not enough to contend with the NL. good luck. Maybe beantown and "the boss" have a chance? Then again I am tired of this circus of "what if's" repeating self. Then again he is being a great dad so he can play with Koby if he is called up. What a legacy. Oh well... How about you?

I don't think anybody is surprise that the Rocket is back in Houston. That seemed to be the desire even after the Astros decline arbitration for Clemens this off season.

I agree with the last post about this being a smart business decision by Drayton Mclaine. The Astros are armed to compete. If the bats come alive, then, they'll be winning more games. Just adding the Rocket isn't going to win them more games unless he also hits .300+ with RISP. However, getting the Rocket to pitch for the hometown probably sells more tickets at every ballpark.

Remember, it is just baseball. In the world of events, billions of people do not care, and neither do I. It is a shame how we spend money for a kid's game, and real life people are dying and suffering. Maybe we all should get a life and see what really matters in the world. Baseball is entertaining, but not reality.

Q: Is Clemens worth $12 million to the Astros?
A: Probably.

I think the more interesting question is why he's worth $12 million, though. Why are so many seats empty when he's not pitching as opposed to when he is? Why is one player so valuable? Ultimately, it's about the fans, who vote with their wallets.

If he's actually worth the $12 million to the Astros, then it doesn't matter if he drove the price up or not. He'll have "earned" it.

So here's a novel idea. Since the salary cap in baseball is clearly just a glorified joke, how about if instead MLB institutes a ticket cap? Let's say, no more than $12 for the crappiest seat in the house, no matter which house it is. I'd like to see what happens to the "market" when a serious ticket cap is instituted. Somehow I think the owners and players will still do pretty well...

I'm sure many fans see Roger Clemens as boorish, selfish, and conceited. But, is he really that much different than most of the players in the game today? The owners keep catering to the financial whims and egos of players like Clemens, and the fans keep paying to see them play.

After all, don't they say it's just "Manny being Manny" in Boston? And, didn't they cheer like crazy in Frisco when Barry Bonds hit #715?

If a guy like Clemens plays on another team, he's a jerk. If he plays on your team, he's a hero.

Fans and owners alike, get what they pay for...and get what they deserve.

I'm also glad someone said something like this about Clemens. What bothers me isn't about the money, but about his family. Didn't he say he was retiring to spend more time with his family? Regardless of the fact that he will play in Houston and won't have to be at the ballpark every game or even go to all road games he will still work out constantly and pretty much eat drink and sleep baseball. Where does this leave his three kids who are still at home? Not in as good of a place as if he were to just retire and devote his time to family and not his selfish desire to play "one more year". Just another selfish athlete

Why blame Rocket? MLB players in general are overpaid. Are you telling me that A-Rod making a quarter of a BILLION dollars isn't obscene?! MLB isn't the "real world" so you talk about any one player "deserving" or not deserving money. Rocket is an incredible athlete. He pushes himself like few others. Like him or don't like him, he's first-ballot Hall of Fame. And no, NYYinMD, the first thing that comes to mind isn't Rocket's '04 All-Star start, it's his 2000 ALCS start - you know, that game that actually MEANT something!

Good for you Roger. Now go out and win about 15 games, strikeout about a 100 batters, and laugh your ass off on the way to the bank.

The idea that he will play with his son is a joke. His only game with him will his first start of the season at Single A, where his son is. To imagine that a kid is going to jump from Single A ball to the big game is simply crazy. So he may say something about playing with his son, but it's all the same smoke, just Clemens looking for more money, $22 million or $12 million, it's still a heck of a lot more than I will ever see.

Here we go again. Money money money; Get real! Drayton's got plenty, and it is so often miquoted that baseball is a kids game. The game was played by men long before kids, and it's only played well by men today. Nope; Don't see any idealist parents pushing men onto the field who are afraid of the ball, and who must get an at bat. I don't give a flip if Roger makes 22mil or a half percent of ticket sales, yet I sure do enjoy watching the man pitch. His performance in the NLCS last year was incredible, and proved once and for all that baseball is not a kids game. I wish I was that gifted, and disciplined; Even wish to be just an inch or two taller, but I don't begrudge the Rocket one darn cent.

Just a few points for discussion or consideration:

1) By not agreeing to arbitration for Roger in December, the Astros and Drayton McLane opened the door for Roger to make his own decisions about what team he wanted to play for. Those teams had 5 months to make their case and the Astros had no way to respond.
2) From Day One in this process Roger and his represnetatives made it very clear that the Astros should proceed with their plans as if Roger were not going to be part of the team. I don't think the astros felt like they were being taken advantage of by Roger and his representatives.
3) Quite frankly, Roger has earned the "perks" that go along with playing in Houston. Those perks haven't been a distraction for his teammates or the organization, and based on the comments of his teamamtes over the past 2 days, his leadership value for the Astros far outweighs any "special privileges" he receives from teh organization.
4) Making the playoffs again is certainly the main goal for the Astros, but Roger's influence on a young pitching staff will ceratinly pay dividends for the team and the organization for years to come.
5) His presence on the team certainly has a positive effect on the organization. 10-15 starts from June to October equals 10-15 sellouts for the Astros.

All in all, the fact remains that Roger Clemens made a decision about playing this year that he, his family, and his representatives felt like was the best decision for Roger. There's nothing wrong or unusual about that. We all do it evry day of our lives in some way, shape, or form.

Although there are many in Boston who still bemoan Dan Duquette's failure to sign Clemens years back, an equal number met his departure with a shrug, a wave, and a "Who needs ya?" after 4 mediocre seasons in a row and a major off-field 'tude.

If you are fan and you've met him, you probably have a story of his arrogance or rudeness.

...and who can forget his complaint about the rough life of a ballplayer in Boston.." We even have to carry our own bags at the airport."

Roger is blessed with sports greatness - possibly the greatest pitcher of all time ...and he's a self-absorbed jerk.

The Rocket is the man, all you panzies that run your mouth in some on line chat room ought to have to face off agaisnt the rocket for just one pitch. The man is the greatest pitcher of the modern era and is great for baseball period. So all you armchair fuitcakes go back to snibbling about your lives and the lack of great pitchers today and enjoy the show.

I agree. I cant stand athletes like Clemens and Favre who think they are the gods of their respective sports. I don't care about either of them or their teams. I do however watch sports shows on tv and I dont want to hear all year long about how Roger and Brett still dont know if they want to play next year. Hey guys, screw you, nobody cares about you but yourselves. Retire already so I dont have to hear about you ever again!

This guy has won 7 Cy Young Awards, won over 341 games and struck out over 4,500 batters and people still find a way to bash him. What does it take to get respect for a job well done? You get sports critics, who never picked up a bat, call you a "Diva". Don't worry about what other people make and lets enjoy watching a Hall of Famer do his thing.

Its just like what that teacher in ohio said. Rocket won't play with his son. He just came back from an injury and hes in class A. But i do believe that Clemens was worth the wait. Hes a tremendous pitcher with 12-15 wins in him even at this point in the season. A stronger pen, especially the closer spot until Lights Out Lidge stops tipping his pitches, some liveliness in the bats, and the Stros will be back in contention. I hope Rocket does well and helps us win.

I like the term you used- "diva". I had thought that term is usually bestowed upon a woman- but after reading your article- I can see hwere you're coming from.

Clemens is one of the most unlikeable men in sports. A Diva. Never thought of that phrase but it fits clemens, like a glove. What's stupid about the situation is the Astros still don't win the NL central nor the wildcard, even with clemens going 9-3, with a mid 3 ERA. I say cheers to clemens though, mo money mo money mo money! Get in where you fit in.

It might be "too early" to say, but I'm afraid it's "too much" to pay for "too little, too late." He should have been on the mound on the 2nd of May after signing on the 1st! Having said that, I'm glad the Rocket's back, because at least it increases the 'Stros playoff chances from 1% to about 10% (anyone who counted them out the last two years hasn't learned anything). Besides the fireballs he will launch, he could jolt Pettitte out of his coma and continue to nudge Wandy Rodriguez in the right direction by his mere presence (assuming he shows up to more than the 18-19 games he's likely to pitch). Let's just watch what happens...

What really pisses me off is that he plays coy, drives up his salary by saying he wants to play only for a contender and signs with the Stros!!! Come on, of the four teams only the Yanks and BoSox qualify, the Rangers are bound to be quicked out in the first round of the playoffs in the case the rest of their division continues to suck. And the Stros? Please they have no offense or pitching and no chance in their division or the wildcard. I'm a Yankee fan and thought he would sign with us because he wanted a "contender", that's what pisses me. If he had been sincere and said I want to play with my kid in the minors and go back to the Stros, I would have minded a bit. Just be HONEST Mr. I'm to good to be with my team.

I've been waiting two days to get my two cents in ... the first day I saw the tease to your column it would not come up.
Anyhow, here's what I think about Roger Clemens and his big deal ...
Who the F cares? I mean, Roger Clemens is such a narcissist he would make the Greed God from which the reference came from seem humble by comparison.
Memo to Roger: We don't care about your family's summer plans, about what son is where and what son is not, we don't care about what bullcrap "burden" you have placed on yourself, we don't care about how hard your decision was. Yeah, $13 million for four months of work, so, so hard, Roger.
I mean, Jesus, could you preen a little more for the cameras and talk about absolutely nothing.
I mean, perhaps you can take a lesson from Barry Bonds -- yes, I'm saying this -- and adopt the "just talk baseball" rule to your press, er, uh, I mean preen conferences.
I would get on my knees ala Wayne's World and say, 'we're not worthy,' if you would just play baseball and shut up.
Outside of your amazing talent (I speak, of course, not of your playoff performances) You are all that is wrong with modern sports.
Just take the mound, throw some heat, or some warm at least, and shut the hell up.
Christ.

Professional athletes provide athelic bsed entertainment just as singers provid vocal entertainment. Performer, wether athelic or artistic can provide entertainment equal to or their compensation as estimated by a potential employer then tey will ans should get the money. I think Clemens will make for the Astros this summer as much or more than he will cost them. They obviously think so too. We'll see. If he can get working conditions that suit his life sytle as part of the negotiations then good for him.

I was hoping he'd join the Sox again, and I would have been overjoyed, and a renewed fan.

But since he didn't, he sucks.

I'm a typical fan - if you're no help to my team, I really could care less.

Roger, I hope someone slips you steriods and you get caught, just like Rafeal in his last month in the big leagues.

Greed.

I'd like to see Jason Luft pick up a bat and face the Rocket! After he buzzes one under one of your chins, lets see who looks like a "Diva". Every negative poster here talks about money, but if they had any talent, they would be doing the same thing and not blogging some jealous BS about someone who can.

I agree with Steve Prince's comment about Roger being a self-absorbed jerk despite being blessed with sports greatness. Exactly how many times has he said he would retire, and then resumed playing? It's getting harder and harder for me to believe any words that come out of his mouth. As a Red Sox fan, it was easier for me to cheer for him with the Yankees than it will be this season.

As a Jays fan I'm just ecstatic that he's not going to pitch in the AL East. But he said he's play for a contender... not to knock the Astros or their fans, but they're not getting the pennant, and the wild-card might be out of reach too. However they did turn it around last year, so I'll just go back to thanking the gods that he's not with the Yanks or Sox.

Whether he realizes it or not, whether he admits it or not, Clemens has been riding one very fine line. Clemens has his good and bad years, and I will take nothing from him, last year was a good year for him. One that I think made most respect him. Certainly he's deserving of the HOF. But to return this year, mid year, is just insulting to his legend. While it's possible he'll do well this year again, it seems improbable. Clemens did fantastic last year, but he was fortunate to have done so well. You can't do what he did without skill, but sheer luck played its part too. He's rolling the dice again, and he's getting cocky, and all he's doing in the process is hurting a very good image. I think if he retired or if he chose to play for a prior team other than the Astros out of some sense of closure, people would respect him a lot more. But this little game he played just to return to the Astros and roll the dice on an almost assuredly losing bet is just pathetic.

Roger Clemens epitomizes everything that is wrong with baseball. The man is devoid of any shred of integrity and any team that aspired to sign him is equally as disgraceful.

The late Will McDonough figured out Mr. Clemens years ago, and named him "the Texas Con Man". The current incident proves that Mr. McDonough was right all along.

Well, if anyone of you can play baseball, or even "catch" with your kids at Clemens age, then you can talk about him coming back in June or wathever.
He was going to play with the Astros and that was obvious since he was preparing for the world classic, but obviously if you are Roger Clemens you are going to receive offers from every team in the league.
He´s simply the best pitcher in modern baseball, maybe in the history of the game, so just on that alone he can do what he wants for he is in another league of his own.
About the money, well, Tom Hanks wont make a movie for one million dollars, neither will Roger Clemens, its simply business, once you have a standard you demand it. Period.
And if you think he is a diva, and "all about me" kind of player, then believe me, Bags and Biggio would have said it already. And just notice how Pettitte and Oswalt will improve from the day he rejoins the club. Do you think that will happen out of charm? No f... way, he´s a leader. And hell, he´s the reason the Astros were in a World Series.

Man, I just love hearing you bozos rip Clemens. It reminds me of the other bozos that rip A-Rod every 2 seconds. You people really do make me sick.

Let's throw out some facts here. Clemens is the best pitcher of his era. He's got the most shutouts, the most complete games, the most wins, the most innings pitched, the most Cy Youngs (7 and, yes, he should have won a few more), the most 20-win seasons, the most strikeouts, and is the only pitcher to strike out 20 two times.

He's also a human being. He's one of those emotional human beings. Sometimes, when he's not right emotionally, he may do something stupid (don't we all). He's also smart about getting money and making the best of a situation. But to put his entire career down to just wanting bucks and just wanting attention, is of course, one sided and an oversimplification.

He is really unsure if he wants to pitch anymore. If you haven't noticed. Clemens has pitched a ton of innings on that 43 year old body. He can't pitch complete games much anymore and he tends to break down after 25-30 starts. Also, his mother passed on last year, who was highly important to him.

So, the retirement decision has been harder this year. Could it all be about money? Is that what you cynics think? Is that what you people that have always hated Clemens think? Well, no.

It's about wanting to be in the right situation and being willing to put forth the effort to pitch one or two last seasons. Pitching 20 games seems like a great idea for someone that's had issues with his back and legs the last few years. If he can make it to the playoffs, he might just be healthy this year, instead of broken down like last year.

Oh, btw, when Clemens came on board in Houston, the Astros had NEVER won a playoff series or been to the world series. Now they have. Coincidence? I think not. Is he worth the money? Well, is any athlete? Should he not have taken the money? HA. Sure. Because that will happen in the real world. Clemens deserves the money and the perks he can get. No one on this board would do less.

I've read many inane things so far in the above comments, but "Rich," seriously, what planet do you live on? What exactly do you consider a "good" year or a "bad" year?

Out of 22 seasons, I'll concede that '93 (11-14, 4.46) was bad, and '96 (10-13, 3.63) and '99 (14-10, 4.60) were mediocre. But I think the other 19 would have to fall into the good, great, or phenominal categories (can you say 7 Cy Youngs and 3 other top 3's?). No fine lines here!

Last year was "good" and gained him respect? I think back-to-back Cy Youngs at age 25 and again at 36 took care of the respect. A 1.87 ERA is not "good," or even "fantastic." It's absolutely amazing, and he should have won 23-25 games with it. It was the "sheer (bad) luck" of getting shut out 9 times(!!), little other run support, and a few blown saves that cost him Cy Young number 8! He even had to drive in his own runs for a few of his wins!

Oh, and one more thing: Winners are not afraid to "roll the dice," even if the odds sometimes seem against them. What you call "cockiness" is merely extreme confidence (which in this case is justified). He helped take the Astros deep into October the last 2 years, and he intends to do it again. He wants "The Ring" with Houston, because he knows the other 2 were merely bought by Mr. Steinbrenner and he was just along for the ride.

Sorry Rich, you're just plain wrong on all counts...

I've been a baseball fan (being a Yankee fan is secondary), and can't believe that Houston would hold still for this conceit.

Roger can be an impact player...but that impact can cut both ways: he can scare the hell out of opposing teams, or destroy the chemistry of your clubhouse with his Bonds-ian selfishness.

I am personally glad that the Yankees didn't make a strong play to get him. They have enough over-the-hill players, and the demise of Billy Connors' Tampa Mafia didn't come soon enough to give us what we need for this season. I'll sacrifice 2006, in order to see the investment-focus return to youth, good draft picks and the farm system.

One final note...for "yankillaz"
listen, bub: don't lump Jeter in with those other bums. He made a deal with Steinbrenner at a fair market price to play his whole career with the Yankees. Every game, he gives up his body and delivers. AND...unlike any number of Red Sox and other 'yankillaz', he has never tried to renegotiate his contract. Jeter is the real-deal...a gamer who plays to win, and keeps his word of honor.

Who's ripping Clemens. I give the consideration a star of his caliber deserves, he's truly one of the best all-time. But still. He's not going to change anything on a team that seems pretty weak. Although, now with the Pujols injury, there's a chance.

As for PJ Arts. Am i talking about the Ludicrous contract Jeter had in 2001? If i wanted to say he isn't worth half the money he makes, i wouldn't be mistaken. Now, when i say influential, i'm saying players that can make cuts go their way: 189 Million?? Team Captain??? (Hello Bernie) SS over A-Job??? Come on!! This is like Kobe vs. Shaq. INFLUENTIAL. Gotta shut Jeter-worshipers...

Let me propose an alternative theory.

It has continued to bother me that Roger re-signed with the Astros after saying he wanted to finish out his career with a contender. I'm not sure the Astros fit that description at this point in the season.

However, if he had tried to work deals with either the Red Sox or Yankees, he may not have gotten the perks he wanted (to say nothing of the money). Plus the Astros would have let him walk with nothing to show for it.

Consider the possibility that the Astros signed the deal never intending to have to pay for it.

If Houston is out of it by the trade deadline, is it possible they would trade him to a "contender"? Roger gets the deal he wants under the terms he wants; the Astros get whatever; the Red Sox or Yankees pay the price and hope for the best.

What would truly suck? The above senario comes to pass and the Rocket ends up being one of the "blacked-out" names on Jason Grimsley's list.