Roger Clemens and the Red Sox: A Possible Storybook Ending

The east coast, with the exception of NY, will never forgive ex-GM of the Red Sox Dan Duquette for allowing Roger Clemens to leave. A mistake that lives in infamy along with the dreaded sale of Babe Ruth. The Curse of the Bambino and Dan Duquette are long gone but are the chances of "Rocket" rejoining his former club ancient history or could it be the perfect end to one of the most illustrious careers in baseball history?�

Clemens confirmed that the Red Sox were in the mix of teams that visited him in Houston to express interest in signing him after he pitches for the United States in the World Baseball Classic (WBC). The Rangers, Astros and Yankees round out a larger list that is yet unconfirmed. The 43 year old right hander would be a formidable addition to any starting lineup. Just last year he led the NL in ERA with 1.87, made 32 starts and pitched 211.1 innings.�

Red Sox fans both young and old would love to see "Rocket" make a return to Beantown. It would appear that the Rangers and Astros have an obvious edge being located in his home state, Clemens is a family man. Being able to monitor his son Koby's progress in the Astros farm system is a perk a guy like Clemens will probably have a hard time ignoring. The Astros lost the right to negotiate with Clemens until May 1st when they neglected to offer him salary arbitration. That doesn't mesh with his work ethic but the proximity to home may outweigh the unwanted time off.�

In my eyes, the only 2 teams that have a chance of retaining Mr. Clemens' services are the Astros and the Red Sox. If his health doesn't become an issue during the WBC I believe he will delay retirement for another year. Boston holds the bartering chip that no other team can offer. It may not be as valuable as family but it is something that a student of the game could never overlook. History.�

Roger Clemens will be given the opportunity to surpass a mark that many thought would stand through eternity. A record whose current holder's name is synonymous with terms like "elite" or "workhorse", the most wins in a Red Sox uniform. Roger Clemens could take over for Cy Young as Boston's all time winningest pitcher. For such a fierce competitor like Clemens the record must be enticing. To so firmly cement himself in the lore of the club he grew up with could be a story book finish to a polished and brilliant career steeped in historical accomplishments.