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That would certainly be the surprise of the spring. I don't see it, but he's never been a guy you can predict.
His agents have been in contact with Walt, and the Cards have 'formally' expressed interest.
That would certainly be the surprise of the spring. I don't see it, but he's never been a guy you can predict.
General manager Walt Jocketty, assistant general manager John Mozeliak and vice president of player personnel Jerry Walker met at length Monday morning at a nearby coffee shop with one of Clemens' lead agents, Alan Hendricks, and two associates. Much of their two-hour meeting focused on Hendricks clients Braden Looper and Kip Wells, but Clemens was discussed.
One club official played down the Cardinals' chances of landing Clemens to "1 million to 1."
In December, the Cardinals made an eleventh-hour push for free-agent lefthander Andy Pet te, another Hendricks client, shortly before Pet te signed a one-year contract to return to the New York Yankees.
The Cardinals also bid for Clemens before he signed as a free agent with the Houston Astros in 2004.
Jocketty, who has also put out trade feelers for starting pitching, acknowledged that he is intrigued by Clemens' availability while trying to suppress any irrational expectations.
A high-ranking club official unaware of Monday's meeting conceded the club "would have to be interested" if Clemens became available for bid.
Clemens, a Houston resident, is believed to be leaning toward returning to the Astros should they appear compe ive when he decides in May or June.
The Cardinals' best opportunity would rest with the Astros faltering early and Clemens reconsidering a return to either the Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees. A contending St. Louis club also would be a geographical fit for a player who last year was allowed to miss selected road series when not scheduled to pitch.
Duncan said he hopes to have his rotation set around March 18, when the club returns from a two-game trip to Orlando, where it plays the Atlanta Braves. The Cardinals, meanwhile, will survey available trade avenues for starting pitching. The Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers and Yankees offer potential help; but the Cardinals admit to only tepid interest in the Phillies' Jon Lieber and oft-injured Yankees enigma Carl Pavano.
The Dodgers' Brad Penny represents a more attractive target. Signed through 2008 with a club option for 2009, the 28-year-old thrower also fits the Cardinals' financial profile. Coming off a 16-9 record and 4.33 ERA, Penny is due $7.5 million this season and $8.5 million in 2008 with an option for $8.75 million in '09. (The Cardinals committed $13 million to lefthander Mark Mulder this winter, though Mulder will miss at least three months this season rehabilitating from rotator cuff surgery.)
Penny struck out 148 in 189 innings last season and was named his league's starting pitcher in the All-Star Game. His 16 wins tied for the league lead.
i would be surprised if he went anywhere other than Houston, but i wish he would make up his mind soon.
As good as Rocket's been, assuming he keeps coming back, one of these days he's going to start pitching like he's in his mid-40s. It happened to Ryan, it's happening to the Unit, even Rocket won't be immune.
agreed, but being able to pitch half a season wasn't something Ryan and Unit were/have been able to do.
Pipe dream forum.
Looks like Rocket been taking roids, so like Bonds he can last longtime and break records. He is huge.
steroids are bad for pitchers. can really throw your elbow out
Clemens won't ever play for the Cardinals
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