February 12, 2007
Clemens = Extortionist
Larry Galla of Houston wants the Astros to end the Roger Clemens era.
But there is an element that certain players are trying to force upon the game that is disturbing: the notion that "I am bigger than the game." I'm sure Barry Bonds immediately popped into a lot of baseball fans' minds. Bonds is definitely the epitome of this attitude.
Unfortunately, that arrogance has slithered closer to home. Yep, the new contender for the all-time narcissist crown: Roger Clemens. At least Bonds is somewhat open with his self-importance, but Clemens is more like an extortionist, making middle-of-the-night phone calls to his victim, then not saying anything. Just letting his quarry know that he's there and in control.
As long as Clemens returns value for the money spent, and as long as multiple teams show interest, Roger is going to be in control of his game.
Count me as one Astros fan who very much disagrees with that letter. I don't understand the comparison to an "extoritionist." Roger Clemens hasn't demanded anything from any team or asked for anything this off-season. In fact, he has spent some of his time helping Astros' prospects at the team's "elite camps." He is a free agent, and he is free to decide when or if he retires. Yeah, the media speculation about what Clemens will or won't do is tiresome, but my advice is to ignore it. And, as long as Clemens can help the Astros--which he would do immeasurably--the Astros have every reason to keep the door open for him.
Those comments are way over the top but count me among the people who are way tired the the Rocket's act. I wish he and Bonds would just go away.
If you could negotiate with your employer 6 months of a year with pay. Plus travel expenses to Mexico. You would feel great about it. No one would be twisting you employer's arm. It just business.
I agree with Mick, I'm exhausted of these two. Clemens dictates when and for who he wants to pitch. He basically has MLB bow down and say "Roger you only want to pitch the second half of the season? OK, whatever you want Roger". It's a complete joke and mockery of how MLB operates. I don't care who you are, there is (or should be, in relation to MLB) NO special treatment!!!
The market provides a great solution. Clemens demands a bunch of special-for-him terms. If you are a team's GM, tell him to take a hike. But if I'm a team's GM, and I see that this is what it takes to land a guy that will, undoubtedly, help my team win, I'm going to sign him. And then my team will beat your team when Clemens pitches.
If the complaint centers on Clemens starting his season late, keep in mind that the Astros' front office apparently encourages that practice. The Astros' GM says that starting Clemens' season is May or June is a good way to keep his 44 year old body in good shape for October; in 2005, after a full season, Clemens' body seemed to be pretty beat up by playoff time. (Also, it wouldn't surprise me if McLane, the Astros' owner, prefers to pay the smaller prorated amount of salary.) The Yankees and Red Sox may or may not feel the same. But, for the Astros' part, it isn't like the team is forced to accept a practice to which they object.