Watch out for this scenario. I developed it while talking to my son this morning.
1. Astros sign and get Clemens. (This part has already taken place, so it took less thought. Clemens' ERA is under 2.5.) So, the Houstonians are winners.
2. Clemens pitches great, but the team is 7 games back by the trade deadline. But, at least Clemens did his best for the hometown.
3. The delay in getting with the real team that he'll go to war with in October allows he and the Astros to identify Astros team-needs. And, it allows Clemens to identify the team with the best record and the best chance to win it all.
4. Clemens issues public statement: I love Texas. But, I'll do what's best for the team.
5. Clemens gets traded to Boston. Boston's a winner. Clemens is a winner. Houston's fans believe he was only doing what's best for the team. And, he gets a real shot at another ring. And, Drayton Mclane picks up an OF or a 3B to replace disappointing Jason Lane or Morgan Ensberg.
Everyone's a winner here. If he has a no-trade clause, he'll have to waive it. And, for conspiracy theorists: KNOWING HOW WEAK HOUSTON IS OFFENSIVELY, WAS THIS IN THE BACK OF HIS MIND ALL ALONG?
Since Peter Gammons is in ICU, I'm doing his job. Back to you, Sean.
