The Return of Roger Clemens is All Show and No Substance

With two scoreless outings with the independent league Sugar Land Skeeters under his belted paunch, 50 year old Roger Clemens is poised to attempt a comeback to the majors with the Houston Astros, either this year or next. Already possessing 354 career wins, Clemens has had one of the most successful, albeit controversial, careers of any pitcher in baseball history. However, since throwing his last major league pitch in 2007 his legacy has been eviscerated. It remains to be seen why fans should embrace his potential return, since it is clear that it is more about the fans being taken advantage of than it is a heartwarming baseball story.

Clemens’ return to the mound appears to be more about damage control than about anything he may have left in the gas tank or because he has something to prove like Jamie Moyer. Even though he was acquitted of all charges during a Federal perjury trial earlier this year, the proceedings seemed like a final death knell to the reputation of Clemens. The verdict was seen by many as the result of an incompetent prosecution instead of a triumph of truth. Now his return to the mound reflects the attempt for selfish gains than continuing an athletic legacy.

The most immediate benefit from Clemens straddling a major league mound again would be pushing back his Hall of Fame clock another five years. He is currently on the ballot for next year’s induction and is a near lock to receive Mark McGwire treatment, languishing in the purgatory tug-of-war between voters who split on the impact of his statistics versus the beliefs about his character and training methodology. With the national PED witch hunt seemingly starting to cool off a bit because of the spectacular disaster of the Clemens and Barry Bonds trials, it would be wise to take a patient approach with Clemens’ Hall candidacy. Under normal circumstances someone with his numbers would be a no-brainer first ballot guy, and to have it any other way would be yet another smear on his already tainted record. Giving voters a chance to step back and breathe remains his best chance to salvage any remnants remaining from a career blown up by a PED mortar shell.

A more subtle, but just as important area of damage control mixed up in the possible return of Clemens is his familial reputation. During the height of anti-Clemens mania the New York Daily News reported the pitcher had a long-term affair with country music singer Mindy McCready, starting when he was 28 and she just 15. The story was immediately confirmed by McCready, while Clemens issued a partial denial through his lawyer, claiming their relationship was nothing more than platonic; something believed by few except for perhaps those who respond to emails from Nigerian princes requesting help extracting money from defunct overseas bank accounts.

Other than the Clemens family, nobody knows how the allegations of his philandering affected them. Even though their situation was dragged into the media, ultimately it was and is their business. What is certain though is that a concerted effort is being made in Clemens’ return to reintroduce him through the media as an adoring family man. When he recently teamed up with his oldest son Koby as a battery mate for Sugar Land, the moment, along with his exuberant family being conveniently placed in a suite, was put on full display. If this comeback was really about playing with his son, this could have been done previously any number of times over the past 5-6 years. Only now has it become convenient for Clemens to leverage the situation to his advantage and make him appear more likable.

Money, as with many other situations in life, is also at the root of the Clemens return. Although he has already earned more than $150 million during his career, The Rocket stands to rake in a tidy mint if he throws another major league pitch. His considerable fortune may have been depleted because of his legal woes or he may just want to add further depth to his holdings, but Clemens is most definitely not doing this for free. Neither is the team that agrees to allow him to toe their rubber. If it is the Astros, as currently believed, they will reap significant financial rewards and free exposure, all boons to such a beleaguered franchise.

Clemens has as much right to continue pursuing a baseball career as anyone else, but we as consumers of the game have the right to view his attempt with suspicion. If this all sounds cynical, it’s because it is. He has a lengthy history of arrogance, vitriol, and suspicious behavior that can’t be done by an improbable comeback. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a newer, softer Clemens; it’s just more of the same.

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An Interview with Dean Green

No matter how much baseball changes teams still love having a big slugger in the middle of their lineups. The visual of a big walloper striding to the plate still inspires fear in the hearts of opposing players and fans. Although the Detroit Tigers already have Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder, two of the best sluggers in the game anchoring their lineup, they may have found another in first base prospect Dean Green.

At 6’4 and 255 pounds, Green is as imposing a player as you’re likely to see. He grew up playing baseball, football, and basketball, inspired by his father Rodney, who played college baseball at the University of Tulsa. But it was baseball where Green shone the most. During his career with Berryhill High School in Oklahoma, he totaled 28 home runs and 256 RBI, including hitting .505 with 7 home runs and 85 RBI as a senior, leading his team to a Class 4A state championship.

Green committed to Oklahoma State, where he had an excellent career as a three-time Academic All-American. Following his junior season he left school and gave up his scholarship to prepare for the draft, but was shocked to go undrafted. Instead of giving up, he recommitted himself more than ever, and enrolled at tiny Barry University. He took his frustration out on opposing pitchers during his senior season, hitting .400 with 19 home runs and 77 RBI, prompting the Tigers to take him in the 11^th round of the 2011 MLB Draft.

Green started his professional career with a bang last year, hitting .336 with 7 home runs and 44 RBI in 65 games with short-season Connecticut. He has followed that up with another strong campaign this year, hitting .299 with 12 home runs and 75 RBI in 104 games spread across three levels, reaching as high as High-A Lakeland. Despite his slugger status, he is not strikeout prone, whiffing just 103 times in his 169 career games. More information about his statistics can be found at http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=green-000rod.

This past off-season Green answered some questions about his baseball career. He is definitely an intriguing prospect to watch as he continues to hit his way through the minors.

Dean Green Interview:

Who were your favorite team and player when you were growing up, and why?: When I was little I loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals. They were a Midwest team and we got the games on tv and the radio back home. My favorite player was Will Clark. I carried his baseball card around with me everywhere.

How did you know that the Tigers were interested in you?: I'd been in contact with a lot of teams and the Tigers were one of them who invited me to a workout before the draft.; the rest just kind of fell into place. I knew they were interested, just didn't know how much they were interested.

Can you describe what your draft day experience was like?: It was relatively calm to be honest. I sat by my computer at home listening to the names being called, just hoping to hear mine. And when the phone calls started coming in I was joyful to say the least. I heard my name get called and had a huge smile on my face. The happiest kid alive at that moment. My family was the happiest I've ever seen them. One of my best memories!

Al Kaline indicated that he was instrumental in having the Tigers draft you. What do you know about that?: To be honest I was told that he was a big part in why I'm a Tiger, but the details were never shared with me. I've met Mr. Kaline a few times and he is a very humble and extraordinary person. I’m flattered to be associated in any way with a person of his stature. I know I want to continue to succeed, because I'd hate to let anyone down, especially him.

What was the most difficult thing to become accustomed to during your first professional season?: I really didn't have to adjust too much to anything out of the norm. If I were to say one thing in particular it would probably be the crazy hours that we drive to places or get into our hotels. That took a little getting used to at first, but every minute of it is worth it.

If you could do anything differently about your baseball career to date, what would that be?: I don't think I would do anything differently. I don't like to look back on what could have been or what if I'd of done this or that, because I'm living my dream right now. I'm playing in an amazing organization that treats their players extremely well. I'm getting to meet new people, travel to places I've never been, and I'm getting to play the game I love. Doesn't get much better than that. God has blessed me in more ways than I could ever imagine and I hope he continues to do so.

Have you had a chance to interact or get advice from any Detroit players?: I've talked to a view of the big league guys and numerous minor league guys, and the advice that they've given me is ‘enjoy
every minute of it.’ I'm going put that advice to good use. Not everyone gets to do what we do for a living, so I consider myself as one of the lucky ones.

Does the reality of the Tigers having such big stars playing your positions (Fielder, Cabrera, Martinez, etc...) change the way you approach your game or your hopes and aspirations?: Not at all. I approach each game the same way; expecting to win. I'm a huge competitor and I couldn't stop the way I played even if I tried. I look at all the great players in front of me as a chance to gain experience and to be able to learn from them. Nothing has changed as far as my outlook goes. I still want to play in the big
leagues and I will work as hard as I can to accomplish that goal. Lord willing, everything will work out for the best.

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An Interview With Scott Eyre

Skilled left-handed pitchers have some of the best job security in baseball, as the demand for southpaws always outweighs the supply. As long as they keep getting outs, lefties can build long careers that can span many teams and a variety of roles. A perfect example is Scott Eyre, who rode the stereotypical existence of a lefty to a productive 13 year major league career.

Eyre played collegiately for the College of Southern Idaho before being drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 9^th round of the 1991 MLB Draft. He came up through the minors as an effective starter, but never pitched for the Rangers. Prior to the start of the 1994 season he was traded to the Chicago White Sox and continued to impress before finally making his major league debut in 1997. He was never able to fully establish himself in the starting rotation and by the second half of 1998 he was pitching exclusively out of the bullpen, where he spent the remainder of his career.

In addition to the White Sox, Eyre also pitched for the Blue Jays, Giants (where he had his greatest success), Cubs, and Phillies. In his 13 year career he pitched in the playoffs five times, including three World Series- with the Giants in 2002, and the Phillies in 2008-2009. He appeared in a total of 617 regular season games, going 28-30 with a 4.23 ERA and 4 saves. More information on his career statistics is available at http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eyresc01.shtml.

Last month, with a little help from my Twitter friend and fellow southpaw Scott Sauerbeck, I was able to contact Eyre and have him answer some questions about his baseball career.

Scott Eyre Interview

Who were your favorite team and player growing up, and why?: Favorite team was Dodgers and player was Orel Hershiser. 

What was your draft experience like, and how did you first know the Rangers were interested in drafting you?: The draft was not something I was paying attention to. I didn't know anybody was interested in me and never thought I was going to go in the 9th round!

At any point during your minor league career, did you ever get discouraged or doubt you would eventually make the major leagues?: I think every player wonders if he can make it to the bigs, but I doubted it very much after I had Tommy John surgery in 1994.

How difficult was it for you to accept changing roles from starter to reliever?: Not very difficult. I struggled with consistency as a starter, and when I got to the pen my "stuff" seemed to get better and I was more confident.

What was your favorite moment from your playing career?: The day before my son was born I got a spot start against the A's and I threw 5 no-hit innings and got the win in a combined shutout with the pen

Who was the toughest hitter you ever faced and who did you feel pretty good about seeing coming to the plate?: Toughest was always [Todd] Helton, but I loved seeing Shawn Green come to the plate!

How difficult was it to deal with the pressure of playing in a World Series?: I was told by Robb Nen before my first playoff game in Atlanta (I was with the Giants in 02') that ‘pressure is what you put on yourself, so relax and have fun kid.’

Who was your favorite teammate?: Tough question but I would have to say [Chad] Durbin. We still talk often and stay in touch.

Who was your most influential/favorite coach or manager?: Dave Righetti without a doubt. He changed my career and thought process to pitching.

If you could do anything differently about your playing career, what would that be?: I enjoyed myself but I wish I would have worked harder. I look back now and wish I would have been more like [Scott] Sauerbeck! (He worked his ass off in the off season.)

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Astros Pitching Prospect Vincent Velasquez Successful in Comeback From Injury

The Houston Astros are struggling through an epically bad season, but hope always springs eternal for baseball teams when they have confidence in their minor league prospects. Current Houston GM Jeff Luhnow inherited a player development system filled with question marks, but things have already started to turn around during his first year because of a solid draft, prospects acquired in trades, and young players rebounding from injury. One of those prospects is pitcher Vincent Velasquez, who has begun to regain the same promise he had as one of the most coveted players in the 2010 MLB Draft.

A right-handed starter, Velasquez was picked by the Astros in the second round in 2010 out of Garey High School in California. He was a two-way star, shining with his bat but exciting scouts the most with his arm. Although he had committed to Cal-State Fullerton, the offer from the Astros was too much to pass up, and he decided to immediately start his professional career.  

Velasquez signed in time to play in 2010 for Houston’s Rookie League affiliate. He pitched well in limited opportunities, but hurt his arm towards the end of the season. The team was initially optimistic, but it turned out that Velasquez needed Tommy John surgery and was forced to miss all of 2011.

In order to more effectively monitor his return, Velasquez was assigned to short-season ball this season to pitch on a specific innings count. His return to the mound has been an unqualified success, as he went 4-1 with a 3.35 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 45.2 innings, spread out over 9 starts. You can find more information about his statistics at

http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=velasq001vin.

Having regained his status as one of Houston’s best pitching prospects, the Astros are undoubtedly looking forward to next season, when they can let out even more rope on Velasquez’s arm and see how he performs against better competition and over a more robust workload. As long as his maturation continues, he is a good bet to be part of Houston’s rebuilding plans, and certainly a prospect to keep an eye on in the coming years.

Vincent Velasquez Interview:

How did you first become interested in baseball?: Growing up, my dad got me involved in baseball. He was the one who put the bat in my hands and the ball in my hands. I always grew up watching baseball regardless. My goal was to become a baseball player, and it ended up happening.

Did you have a favorite team when you were growing up?: My favorite team was the Yankees. I always grew up as a Yankees fan. I’m not from New York or anything; I’m just a local Cali boy, and I just grew up liking the Yankees because of their popularity and all the great players they had.

Was there any pitcher you modeled yourself after?: No, I was pretty much a shortstop  growing up. But I would say Alex Rodriguez [as a player] just because of the role model that he is on and off the field, and an overall great guy.

What was your draft experience like; how did you know that the Astros were interested in you?: I really wasn’t. It was a last-minute thing. I was invited to their camp and pretty much had a good show there, and that’s how I got involved with them.

What pitches do you throw?: A changeup, curveball, fastball.

How difficult was the process of coming back from your injury/surgery last year?: It was difficult mentally, but overall I overcame it. It was pretty much nothing.

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