Clemens to get one last start in front of hometown fans
HOUSTON (Ticker) - Roger Clemens will have at least one more farewell.
The hometown hero left Wednesday’s 7-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Minute Maid Park to a standing ovation for what he and the fans thought was the last time this season, if not of his career. However, Houston manager Phil Garner announced Thursday that Clemens would start the home finale against the St. Louis Cardinals on three days’ rest.
“He feels pretty good,” Garner said. “You have to prepare like we’re going to win out. We’re not going to play like we’re throwing in the towel.”
A seven-time Cy Young Award winner, Clemens had contemplated retirement in the past. But he decided in May to return for a 23rd season, signing a one-year contract with the Astros that was pro-rated to be worth $20-22 million.
The 44-year-old is seventh on the all-time list with 348 victories and has a 3.11 lifetime ERA.
Clemens, who was a member of two world championship teams with the New York Yankees, has not announced his intentions for 2007. But based on his performance and desire for headlines, he easily could return to a contender next season.
The future Hall of Famer is 7-5 with a 2.37 ERA in 17 starts for Houston this year.
After being swept by the Chicago White Sox in the 2005 World Series, Houston is in danger of being eliminated from this year’s playoff race. The Astros are tied with Cincinnati, 6 1/2 games behind St. Louis in the National League Central Division, and five games back of Los Angeles and Philadelphia in the wild card race.
