January 23, 2006
Rocket Letter
The Texas Rangers made their first pitch to Roger Clemens today:
Rangers owner Tom Hicks said Monday that he has drafted a letter on behalf of the club to Clemens' agent, Allan Hendricks, describing the reasons why Arlington would be a good professional home in 2006 for the 43-year-old future Hall of Famer. Hicks said he planned to send the letter Monday.
With family issues of importance to Roger, Dallas keeps him somewhat close to home. On top of that, of course, the Rangers can offer him big money as well.
Do you think that in another year or two, Clemens might sign with Houston again? I'm thinking this way...it'll be MUCH closer to home, and if he still has talent and will, he might be willing to sign for less to play near home... and by then he might be too old for anyone to take a chance on him no matter how good he still is (due to the fact that his abilities could fade quickly once he's "too" old). Hmmm...
I personally think that a big reason that Clemens has remained dominant is the biggest perk that the Astros gave him. Primarily, not requiring him to travel with the team if he wasn't pitching. The ability for him to stay local and keep his routines is HUGE. Additional nights in your own bed, not eating room service food... that goes a long way. I assume that perk is a given with any team looking to sign him.
I wouldn't be surprised if more teams considered this option with pitchers, but the effects on team chemistry could offset the benefits.
He was great now let him fade away into the Hall Of Fame. Please get over it the seats will be full at Fenway lets just enjoy baseball in 2006.
