Roger Clemens Pitches in Relief. Why?
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by user The shark
Roger Clemens was brought into Sunday's game against the San Francisco Giants in the 7th inning to face Barry Bonds. Realizing that I already know that The Rocket went to the bullpen late last night and warmed up before not being called on by Joe Torre, I have only one (two) question(s): Why? And WTF?
Fortunately, I also have three answers. Pick whichever one suits your particular purpose.
REASON #1: The Yankees' bullpen is really that bad.
Can you really argue with this point? Let's look more closely: Mariano Rivera has become an average closer. He has a 4.23 ERA and has allowed more than a hit an inning. You can't blame him - he's just getting older. But for the Yankees' sake, it's unfortunate that Big Mo is their best relief pitcher. Scott Proctor is 1-4 with 3 blown saves. His 3.29 ERA may be deceiving because he has not pitched that well. In 41 innings, Proc has allowed 4 home runs and has walked 19, while only striking out 27. Mike Myers? Please... Sure he has a 2.73 ERA, but he's a left-handed specialist. He is only called into games when the Yanks are winning or barely losing, and he only faces left-handed batters. In 37 appearances, Myers has only pitched 29 innings. And his walk/strikeout ratio is a paltry 11/13. Not great. Brian Bruney? 2.01 ERA, but 23 walks versus 26 strikeouts. Kyle Farnsworth? 2 blown saves and a 4.60 ERA. Anyone else to discuss? I think not. Let's face it - Georgie, Cashman, and Crew are desperate.
REASON #2: By sending Clemens to the bullpen in each of the two previous games, Yankees brass is desperate to send a message to the Clubhouse that Clemens is not being given preferencial treatment. He actually is travelling with the team and not going home on his off-days to grill brats and golf with his buddies. Yeah, yeah - I get it. Roger can play the part. For now. What happens in early August when the Yankees are 14 or 15 games back and things start looking worse than they do now? I'll tell you what happens then: Clemens will be in Houston more than he's in New York. Hell, he gets paid either way. What does he care? He doesn't. When the ship starts sinking (ala The Titanic), Roger abandons ship as his brilliantly conceived contract allows him to. Who could blame him?
REASON #3: The Yankees realize they made a mistake by signing the "Old Man". He's 44-years-old, for God's sake. He spent the last three years striking out pitchers and #8 guys who couldn't get a clubhouse job in the American League. They signed him, they rushed him along, and even though he was injured (strained groin), they called him up. Sure, he beat the Pirates in his first start back. He's Roger-effin'-Clemens - he'd better beat the Pirates. But after seeing him pitch three times, Cashman and Torre realize that they made a mistake. This guy is not ready to pitch in The Bigs. And that realization, at this point. could be a fatal error. So throw him into the bullpen to get some game-work on his off-days. That'll help, right? Again...no.
I gotta tell ya - this whole thing smacks of desperation. And there's no way it ends well. Sorry Yankee fans, but Clemens is not your savior. Better find an October hobby to distract your attention from this year's Playoffs. Because, thankfully, they will be "Pinstripe-Free".
