It Was Inevitable.........

From The Daily Record, New Joisey, USA........ today.....Tuesday November 7th........and then a comment......

NEW YORK -- "Houston teammates Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte filed for free agency Monday, still unsure whether they want to pitch next year.
Clemens said he planned to retire after the 2003, 2004 and 2005 seasons, but came back each time to sign with his hometown Houston Astros. Pettitte, Clemens' close friend and Texas neighbor, had left the New York Yankees after the 2003 season to sign with the Astros.
Clemens, a seven-time Cy Young Award winner, rejoined the Astros in June and went 7-6 with a 2.30 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 113 1-3 innings. The right-hander, who has 348 wins and 4,604 strikeouts, turns 45 on Aug. 4.
Pettitte was 14-13 with a 4.20 ERA. The left-hander was bothered by a strained flexor muscle in the elbow on his pitching arm late in the season."

Peter here. We all knew this news was coming. Andy Pettitte is a question mark surrounded by a visible haze in the middle of a brewing storm to any teams interested in his services. The often injured leftie has battled seemingly career-ending arm injuries in the past couple of years and his services should come with injury insurance.
Rocket Roger is an entirely different story. He seems to spit in the face of his advancing years. His ERA numbers have been astonishing. Last year was a less spectacular year ERA-wise for him. And what did he do? How about a 2.30 ERA! I know those are NL numbers, but still! His career victory total would be so much higher if his team, the Houston Astros, scored more runs behind him. Last year he started late. If he wants to pitch in '07, and do it STARTING on opening day, or opening day plus one, I'd love to see him wearing our uniform. He knows how to pitch. The ability is there. And his physical health is right there too. And if he does remain in remarkable health and pitches for a team (US!) that can score a handfull (4 plus) of runs on his mound days, 20 wins, or near it, would be a lock. A lock that we cannot live without. He has my vote. Yours????? After all, it is Election day. So vote, and then comment. But vote. It is sooo important. Thanks for being here. I don't know what I'd do without you.