There are stories today that this could be a prelude to a one-game contract with the Astros which would accomplish two things.
1) It would push Clemens' HOF ballot eligibility to 2019 when several other PED cases will have likely been settled so Clemens has a chance to get in on the first ballot while attitudes about PEDs and the Hall will have likely softened.
2) No matter how terrible he pitches, Clemens can't possibly damage the credibility of the Astros any more than it has already been damaged. The day he pitches will likely double the live gate so there's something in it for Crane and the Astros too.
It's a win-win for Clemens to come in and pitch one inning against an also-ran like the Cubs to accomplish his goal. The only question would be how hard the Hendricks Brothers want to bust Crane's nuts over salary. They'll probably start by asking Roger be paid more than the current team payroll.
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08-21-2012, 10:29 AM
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