Clemens, Yankees, Not just a pipe dream

The New York Yankees and Roger Clemens, could it be? Andy Pettitte expects the seven-time Cy Young award winner to return for a 23rd season as a Major League Ball player and with Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada actively recruiting the former Yankee, the possibility of him returning for a second-stint with the Bombers seems to be ever so slowly increasing.

Clemens has already stated that he'll only consider playing for four teams next year, the Yankees, Red Sox, Astros or Rangers. Having come off a season where he led the League in lowest ERA, and a season where he'd of won another Cy Young if it wasn't for the minimal support he received from his offense, the 43 year-old certainly still has what it takes to be a front line starter.

He cannot re-sign with the Astros until May 1 but they are still the favourites to lure him back, with his son in the Astros system and playing close to home, they seem the logical fit. However both big market AL East teams are interested in bringing the Rocket back. He has seemingly buried the hatchet with the Red Sox after his acrimonious departure from the franchise after the 1996 season, and the Yankees are always interested in any top-tier talent that becomes available.

The Yankees currently have seven starters on their books, with only Randy and Moose locked into the rotation. Chacon, Wang and Pavano are expected to round out the starting crew with Small and Wright for the pen/on the trade block. Wang isn't about to be traded but all three of Wright, Pavano and Small could easily be moved if the right offer was on the table, heck even Chacon too.

The Sox are shopping Clement and if they could bring in Roger to replace him then it seriously upgrades them in that department.

Personally speaking I fully expect Clemens to be back and I think he'll pitch for five months with the Astros, but this story will rumble on and on until there is a definitive decision by the shoo-in first ballot Hall of Famer.