Yankees become clear front-runners to land Clemens

[MaineDem]

By unloading Randy Johnson, the New York Yankees didn't merely clear $14 million of his $16 million salary off their books and move a pitcher who didn't comfortably fit in New York back home to Arizona (not to mention one who just had back surgery -- though word is he's fine and will be ready for spring training). Or add four younger, less expensive players to the Yankees' organization. They also greatly enhanced their chances of signing the star pitcher they really want: Roger Clemens.

Some baseball officials say they believe Clemens is much more likely to sign with the Yankees now that Johnson is out. And that's true not only because the Yankees have more money to spend with Johnson gone. Word is, Clemens doesn't particularly care for Johnson and wouldn't have considered coming to the Yankees had the Big Unit still been in pinstripes.

While it isn't known whether Clemens' negative feelings toward Johnson helped spur the Yankees to trade Johnson trade, Clemens' feelings didn't surprise one Yankees person. Told Clemens doesn't much like the moody Johnson, the person responded, "Who does?''

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/jon_heyman/01/12/clemens.scoop/index.html?eref=si_mlb

:eyes:

[erpowers]

1. Not Clemens

I guess Clemens could actually help the Yankees, but I do not think they should sign him. I think they should just try to invest the money in a young pitcher and wait a few years for him to develop if they have to.