Clemens with Astros for $13 million for half season

**Joubert**[$] · #1 05-31-2006, 05:00 PM

I know they're trying to stay above .500, but I wonder if Houston overpaid for Clemens. He will work up to game condition in the minors and start on June 22 against the Twins.

Thinking about the economics for a minute:

1) Does having Clemens over an average pitcher put the Astros in the playoffs? If so, that's worth $13 million. I don't need to research that.

2) If not, does having Clemens boost attendance and concession sales by that amount?

3) If the answers to 1 and 2 are "no", then I have to ask why the 'stros make the deal. I know Roger wouldn't mind the money, adding to the records and the chance to pitch with his kid.

Anyone else?

**pippadaisy**[$] · #2 05-31-2006, 05:06 PM

I'm just trying to wrap my brain around $13 million for at most four months of play.

**Joubert**[$] · #3 05-31-2006, 05:34 PM

It's the pro-rated $22 million season rate.

(Yes, the news report actually said that....)

**soxfan**[$] · #4 06-01-2006, 06:09 PM

Damn, the Sox really could've used Clemens. The starting rotation is so thin, a guy from AA started last night.

nc10 · #5 06-01-2006, 08:07 PM

Hard to imagine the Astros' being at .500 at years end, with or without Clemens. Just too many good players (and a history of finishing strong). They still have a reasonable chance at making the playoffs, though it looks like the NL wild card spot will be more competitive this year. If Clemens helps them win 3 or 4 more games, that could easily make the difference between them making the playoffs or not, so I think its a reasonable investment.

Clemens makes their starting rotation better, and the starter he bumps makes the bullpen better, even though Clemens will likely only pitch 5 or 6 innings a game. If Houston gets into the playoffs, their rotation makes them competitive with anyone. As a Team Albert fan, the Astros are the team I'm worried about even with a 7.5 game lead on June 1.

**Joubert**[$] · #6 06-02-2006, 01:41 PM

Team Albert.

I don't disagree with you. I often think in economic terms and probably shouldn't as much. One thing that Clemens does which you and Soxfan allude to in different ways is that he is an incredible role model for younger pitchers.

If you have a 22 year old pitcher working on a cutter or how to pitch Albert (away --- far away), having Clemens there is like having another pitching coach.

BTW, did anyone see what Jason Kendall (my choice for great clubhouse influence) said the other night after hitting his 68th career homer?

"Two more and I have 70"