Clemens mulling return to mound--Astros??(12/12/03)

ESPN.com ^ | 12/12/03

[truthandlife]

A radio stunt could nudge future Hall of Famer Roger Clemens out of retirement.

Clemens is taking the weekend to decide whether he'd like to pitch for the Astros, where he would join friend Andy Pettitte, he told local talk show hosts from KKRW-FM Radio.

Rumors have been circulating since Clemens announced his retirement that he would unretire and pitch near home for the Astros. Clemens is technically a free agent, and can sign with any major league team.

When Pettitte decided on the Astros Thursday, that likely added to Clemens' motivation. Clemens and Pettitte were best friends on the Yankees.

However, Clemens was concerned that his Yankees' farewell gift -- a Hummer -- would be taken away if he decided to resume his career.

That's where the radio station comes in. KKRW's "Dean and Rog" came up with a plan: They made a plea on the air Friday morning for a Hummer they could offer to Clemens. Moments later, Hummer dealer and regular Dean and Rog listener Lee DeMontrond called in live with an offer.

An hour later the three hit the road in the Hummer, driving straight to the front door of Clemens' house, where they were greeted by Roger and his wife, Debbie.

When presented with the keys, a surprised Clemens said, "This is getting very interesting. ... I didn't know making a comment like that, you guys would show up in my front driveway with a burnt-orange H2."

Clemens added, "I am happy for Andy [Pettitte]. I think he is going to make a big difference." When asked if he would be in an Astros uniform come April, Clemens responded "maybe," and that the Hummer offer made things interesting. The radio show's deal is good only until Monday morning.

When they signed Pettitte, the Astros said they certainly would be receptive to the idea of Clemens pitching in Houston. However, the Astros have not reacted to the radio station's attempts to lure the Rocket back into active duty.

[international american]

I don't believe his retirement. If nothing else, he would be an incredible "closer"

[Al B.]

I think this was already in the works. At yesterday's press conference, both Gerry Hunsicker (Astros GM) and Randy Hendricks (agent for both Clemens and Pettite) hinted that this could happen.

[newgeezer]

As a devoted Cardinals fan -- yes, it's infinitely easier than being a Cubs fan -- Clemens in a 'Stros uni would not make me happy.

[truthandlife]

What have the Cardinals done in the offseason? I have not really kept up with them but it seems like they have done nothing.

[newgeezer]

What have the Cardinals done in the offseason? I have not really kept up with them but it seems like they have done nothing.

Other than trading Tino Martinez to the Rays, nothing. Some wonder if Walt Jocketty retired and forgot to tell anyone. I'm still holding out hope something big will happen. It has to. We'll go nowhere with our current pitching staff.

Last I heard, the pundits were still predicting Greg Maddux would end up a Redbird, and Edmunds is possible trade bait.

[SamAdams76]

I don't think this will happen but I'd like to see it happen. So long as he doesn't play for the Yankees again. It would be fun to watch. Perhaps Clemens could be used in a closer role, if he doesn't feel up to starting. What would really be fun would be if he did this and the Astros got to the World Series to face the Red Sox (or Yankees).

[truthandlife]

I am real good friends with Woody Williams brother. We went to school together. That guy is a great pitcher and just a good Christian man. He was enquiring if the Astros had any interest in him but they could not pay him enough. I thought the Astros were going to have a shot at him last year but Woody knows the Cardinals have a very special organization and decided to stick with them.

[newgeezer]

Along with Eldred, Matheny, Rolen and Drew, Woody is one of my very favorite Cardinals. I would really hate to see him leave.

Albert is 'the man' (except for Stan, of course). But, those guys are every bit as much the reasons I and my family are happy to call ourselves Cardinals fans.

[AuH2ORepublican]

Speaking as a Cub fan, I would love for the Cardinals to trade Edmonds to the Cubs. The Cardinals would be fools to trade away Jim Edmonds, who's one of the most consistent and underrated players in the majors. How many other guys have slugged .500 or more in 8 of the past 9 seasons? Last year he slugged .617! He has a career BA of .293, OBP of .380 and SLG of .533, which combined with his Gold Glove defense at CF makes him one of the elite players in the majors. Had Edmonds become a major league regular before he was 24 and had he not missed so many games with injuries, he'd be well on his way to Hall of Fame induction upon his retirement. If I was running the Cubs, I'd offer you Corey Patterson, Eric Karros, Mark Grudzielanek and Alex Gonzalez for Edmonds and Edgar Renteria. Would you take my offer? : )

BTW, I think Maddux will sign with the Cubs. He wants to get back to the World Series, you know . . . .

[Pard]

Can't he buy his own goddamn Hummer? How cheap is this bastard anyway?

[My2Cents]

Fear not. Clemens is over the hill.

[My2Cents]

That was my thought too. Governor Arnold is selling-off his Hummers. Perhaps Clemens could pick up one of those.

[NYCVirago]

If Clemens comes back as an Astro, he can forget wearing a Yankee cap on his HOF plaque. In fact, he can forget ever being welcome to Yankee Stadium again.

[newgeezer]

If I was running the Cubs, I'd offer you Corey Patterson, Eric Karros, Mark Grudzielanek and Alex Gonzalez for Edmonds and Edgar Renteria. Would you take my offer? : )

LOL. If I was running the Cards, and you offered me those four, I might let you use Edmonds and Renteria for a game or two but, not at the same time. ;O)

Renteria is another well-kept secret. While Jeter & Nomar get all the press, Edgar just keeps putting up the numbers. And, A-Rod just makes Edgar look like the bargain of the century.

[AuH2ORepublican]

"Renteria is another well-kept secret."

---

Absolutely. Ever since he came up with the Marlins in 1996, I have penciled him in as someone who may be a future HOFer. For a few years there it looked as if my early evaluation was way off, but his performance last year confirms that he is indeed a potential Hall of Famer.

[anymouse]

Does this posibility change your evaluation of the Stro's chances for a pennant? :)

[PetroniDE]

What about that bullpen closer? Get a closer, then I think the Astros have a chance.

[Al B.]

Local press says Clemens agreed to a 1-yr. deal today with the Astros.

Link

[truthandlife]

Thanks for the link. I heard in on CBS New Radio but did not see the official word on the web. I posted it here.

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