Despite the fact that he pitches for division rivals, and that it could impact the Cy Young vote which I'm dearly hoping for Chris Carpenter to win, I have to second Up North on this. It can't be easy for Roger to go out there tonight, but his team needs him.

Although I must confess that I have an ulterior motive here, since he's also on my fantasy team.

They don't even need 4 runs a game for the Rocket. Typically, 1 or 2 would be good enough.

Here's to the Rocket.

I'm sorry for the loss of his Mom. I know his retirement and HOF induction were weighed against this prospect of losing her early.

He's an amazing athlete; I'm glad I got to see him pitch in my lifetime.

I do not, however, celebrate his sportsmanship, ever. Can not root for the guy-unless he's throwing against the cubs.

Chris Carpenter for Cy Young all the way. More innings, more K's...besides wins delta which Roger, of course, can't control-but 20+ wins in and of itself is Cy-credible.

I'm 27, so I have been able to see Clemens on TV. Of all the players I have ever wanted to see play live he was number one. I live in San Diego, so that is a stretch. But this year I was blessed to see him pitch. It was amazing, I have never see Koufax, or Bibson, or Feller, but I find it hard to believe he isn't the best off all time. I'm blessed to have seen him pitch!

I'm sorry for Clemens' loss, but "Giant of a Man"? Not in my opinion. He's a great pitcher, but great men don't randomly flip out and throw broken bats at hitters. They don't force a trade to the Yankees two years after signing w/ the Jays b/c they want to be with a "winner". They aren't head hunters. They don't "retire" with the Yankees only to sign with the Astros. Also, they don't continue bleaching their hair well into their 40s.

I am sorry for his loss. And I appreciate the guts it takes to pitch tonight, but I won't cheer for him.

TBird, I'm "wit cha."
First of all, my condolences to Clemens and his family. But I am the anti-Clemens fan.
Funny how 19 million per season can make you "reconsider" a retirement. Not only did we (Twins Fans) give him a standing O in the 03 playoffs, supposedly his last game in MN, but I'll never forget the three minute ovation he got IN Florida at the WS. Turns out he didn't deserve either of them.
Clemens is a mercenary, and is bad for the game.

This reminds me of that time Brett Farves dad died, I feel bad for both guys and both are great at what they do. I just dont really like either one.

Right there with you, tbird and ovie... I've thought Clemens to be a trucking bassbowl since long before he got his name written at the top of every Mets fan's sheeyit list and for all of the reasons you guys mentioned, I dislike him immensely.

And I don't know about that whole "duty" and "she'd want me to pitch tonight" business. The day my dad died, I told work I wasn't coming in. The day my mom dies, well, I hope I've been retired for years at that point, but if not, I'll be telling work I'm not coming in. It's your freaking MOM, dude. Take the night off. Pitch tomorrow- if you're meant to win the wild card, you'll win it a day later. There's a line between being a fierce competitor and being a callous beast.

While I'm on my anti-Clemens soapbox, regardless of how sure you are to reach the HOF, I think it's tacky and classless and maniacally egomaniacal to be an active player talking about your induction. Maybe the quote I read about "two empty chairs" was taken out of context but to me, that's like asking the sportswriters, "whaddya gonna do, NOT vote for me?"

Heh, to be fair to Mama Rocket, if I had a son who was a major league pitcher, I would probably tell him to take the ball tonight too but my ghost would be rattling its chain going "can you believe the little rat bastard actually LISTENED?"

How many Cy Youngs does Clemens have? Any voter who doesn't vote for him for HOF should have their voting rights taken away from them. Yet Clemens is supposed to be the blushing bride and not mention that he's gonna get a plaque and an induction and all that stuff?
I don't think pitching or not pitching makes him a better person, people grieve in different ways and maybe he needs to get out there and pitch to deal with everything?

You go Roger. Go get to 374 and see if there's anyone stupid enough to vote against you.

Oh, and. Better than Roger? Maybe, Walter Johnson. But that's the list