Ask Not What the Nation Can Do For Roger;
Ask What Roger Can Do for the Nation

Let's Do This

"But with the Red Sox now bidding against the Yankees, Rangers and Astros, the price tag for Clemens very well could soar over $20 million for one year. If so, there would be an enormous incongruity to a Clemens deal for the Red Sox, something which, on its face, reflects a lack of planning."

"Whatever the rationale, however, signing Clemens would be a good move for Boston, for 2006 and beyond his days as an active player. There will be a lot of debate about what hat Clemens should wear into the Hall of Fame, and there is no doubt that when you think of Clemens, you associate him the most with the Red Sox. They should have a relationship with the guy, even if it's not an exclusive arrangement." -- 2.10.06, Buster Olney, ESPN blog (subscription)

"It'll probably cost more than $15 million to get the Rocket to end his career with the Sox, a small price to pay for the man who led baseball with a 1.87 ERA last season and won 13 games for an Astros team that didn't score many runs.

"It's a lot of money, but it’s not your money or my money. That said, money is the least expensive commodity in baseball. To get an impact player, the Sox wouldn't have to trade established players or prospects to get a top-flight pitcher.

"In the interest of full disclosure, I have a vested interest here. I want Clemens pitching for the Sox every fifth day. I want to feel that buzz coming in for the pre-game show, that intensity that revolves around the Rocket whenever he pitches.

"I want Clemens back." -- 2.9.06, Tom Caron, TC's Mailbag