Monday, May 07, 2007

The Rocket Rejoins the Bronx Bombers

Future Hall of Famer Roger Clemens announced he is returning to his former team, the New York Yankees, for the remainder of this season. The 44-year-old ace made the announcement to a crowd of more than 52,000 fans at Yankee Stadium Sunday during the seventh inning stretch. After spending a few weeks training and getting into pitching shape, Clemens is expected to join the team sometime in early June. He will earn $28 million, or $4.5 million per month through the rest of this season.

The acquisition of Clemens is a huge shot in the arm for the Yankees, who clearly were desperate for starting pitching. Whether or not that boost lasts through the season and helps manager Joe Torre keep his job remains to be seen. It’s not good news for the AL Central either where many figured one of the four top teams -- the Tigers, Twins, Indians and White Sox – could win the Wild Card. That may not be the case anymore. If both the Yankees and Red Sox make the playoffs, the AL Central – arguably the best division in baseball -- would only have one team going the playoffs. And that means a more intense fight to the finish.

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