As you probably guessed, Roger Clemens’ declaration yesterday he is returning to the Houston Astros has shaken the baseball world from Houston to, well, Lexington, where the Rocket makes his first start next Tuesday for the Legends.
The decision particularly reverberates around the NL Central. St. Louis leads the division, but is considered vulnerable. Cincinnati is starting to return to reality. Houston is now in position to make a second-half run after Clemens takes the hill for the Astronomicals, probably June 22.
Some morning-after reaction:
- The Legends aren’t the only thrilled minor league team. The Round Rock Express are also ecstatic about an upcoming Rocket start. [Austin American-Statesman]
- Jayson Stark says there is no precedent, so it will be all new to the Astros. [espn.com]
- "Here we go again," says Roger. [Houston Chronicle]
- His Astro teammates are tickled. [Houston Chronicle]
- Richard Justice just hopes Rocket’s teammates hold up their end of the multi-million dollar bargain. [Houston Chronicle]
- John Donovan says that at 43, Clemens is attempting something few players have ever tried. [cnnsi.com]
- Clemens leaned toward Astros all along, but didn’t mind listening to other offers. [New York Times]
- Rangers, Red Sox and Yankees all losers. [Fox Sports]
