Of Rocket And J.D. And JJ. And Of Course Dr. King

Good morning. Monday morning, and some of you might be, right now, groaning and muttering some not-so-sweet Monday nothings under their breath. But it IS a holiday...more on that later in this post. And we don't know much more about Roger Clemens and what he is doing and where he might go, if anywhere, than we did yesterday. But one thing I'm sure of...he'll be playing ball SOMEWHERE this coming season. Or half-season. From the Monday morning Herald, and then a word from me.....

"The Red Sox [team stats] arguably will have the strongest starting rotation in the American League heading into spring training, but that will not preclude them from pursuing Roger Clemens one more time.
Owner John W. Henry confirmed in a brief e-mail yesterday that the team intends to make another attempt to sign the seven-time Cy Young Award winner, potentially boosting a rotation that already includes Curt Schilling, Jonathan Papelbon, Tim Wakefield, Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka and Jon Lester.
“I don’t think it’s any different than last year,” Clemens told MLB.com. “Three teams are always players in this situation: my hometown team, Boston and the Yankees.
“I’m really not any closer to making a decision.”"

Peter here, and OK Roger...take your time. And I will say once again that it would be FAR BETTER if you stay in Houston or come home to Boston than for you to return to New York. For that reason alone, I want you on OUR team, for half a season or whatever. Because chances are, if you don't come to Friendly Fenway, the place of your irreplaceable youth before you were booted out by Duquette and his loonieness and strange sense of timing (I mean, he was the one who said you were on the downslope of your career...what little he knew!), the pinstripes look too inviting, pitching with Andy, your hometown lefty friend. We cannot let that happen!

Oh, and what of JD Drew? Short and sweet from the same article.....

" Tomorrow marks the six-week anniversary since the Sox and agent Scott Boras acknowledged that free agent outfielder J.D. Drew [stats] had agreed to a five-year, $70 million contract with the team, but the deal remains to be finalized.
The Sox are seeking to amend the language of the deal in order to provide protection in the event that Drew’s surgically repaired right shoulder breaks down and leads to extended time lost. Boras insists that his client is healthy and that the shoulder shouldn’t be an issue. The sides talked throughout last week and general manager Theo Epstein reiterated there is no need to be concerned that Drew won’t be under contract soon."

Peter here. Yes, I know there are two different camps when it comes to Mr. Drew. One is the camp who thinks that $70 million is WAY too much money to offer the oft injured player whose OBP is quite good. And the other? He will be more than suitable for rightfield defense (but NO better than our Trot!) and a great number five guy to bat behind Papi and Manny. I haven't decided where I stand on this whole thing, but he will be signed officially soon. With further protection language built into his contract, as it should be. Sir Boras(s) will NOT rip us off again. Actually, we've taken HIM to the cleaners with Daisuke!

Oh, and Jason Johnson? Here you go......

"The free-agent market is thriving even for struggling pitchers headed to Japan. Right-hander Jason Johnson, who was 3-12 with a 6.35 ERA with three clubs last season, has agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract with the Seibu Lions, FOXSports.com has learned." Peter here, and good for him!!!

Well, that's it for now kids! I am still aglow from the final minutes of the Patriots stirring and deserving victory yesterday. And I hope that glow helps ALL of us through a healthy and happy week. And of course we must take a moment to remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. For without him, so much of what we have would sadly not exist.
Take care, and as always, thanks for taking the time from your busy schedules to read what I have to say. That means so much to me. A WHOLE lot....