The Rocket Returns

We all knew it was going to happen, it was just a matter of time and to whom. Roger Clemens will be wearing the pinstripes again, and George Steinbrenner paid a hefty price to get him. But every Yankee fan rejoiced on Sunday as Clemens made his announcement of returning during the seventh inning stretch, and every Tigers fan made a slight, annoyed sigh. Just when you thought the Yankees might be out of it for this year they find a way to "buy" their way back in.

The Yankees were forced to make this move. Their starting rotation was one of the worst in the majors, and injuries made it so Joe Torre didn't know who his starters would be day-to-day. Clemens prorated $28 million dollar contract will leave him making about $18.5 millions this season. Not to bad for five months of work huh? The deal also includes language that is unusual for Yankee players, such as Clemens will not have to travel with the team except for his starts. The Yankees were desperate, and Clemens got a sweet deal.

There were many reasons for Clemens to return:
#1 - The Yankees were willing to pay him more than enough.
#2 - It gives him a legit chance to win one more championship before he retires.....again.
#3 - He is reunited again with his close friend Andy Pettitte.
#4 - He only has to throw for a partial season so there's not as much wear on his arm.
#5 - He gets to return to the game he loves, and returns as still one of the best in the game.

This is the boost the Yankees needed. It gives them a solid #1 for the pitching rotation. Clemens also makes everyone around him better, which should improve their young arms, and even their bats. So once again the "evil empire" is back on track. The Red Sox say it doesn't matter (but we all know that they're lying). The Yankees will be playoff contenders come October, and for everyone who loathes them as much as I do, the return of Roger Clemens is not a pleasant thought.