[CHRON] Clemen's last game?

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/2850289

When Roger Clemens immerses himself in playoff mode, with that Cooperstown will and skin-piercing stare, rarely does he see anything beyond the next batter.

Such is what has made him our generation's best pitcher.

For the Astros today, nothing will be more vital than Clemens' ability to focus only on the immediate task.

If the Astros are to begin a comeback in the National League Championship Series, it begins today, and it begins with Clemens and his knack for resuscitating hopes and igniting winning runs. It will be one of those special scenes at Minute Maid Park no matter the outcome.

Clemens can appreciate nerve-bending baseball moments like these more than most players but not while he's in the midst of them.

It's only about winning. It's only about this pitch setting up the next one and fighting for every out as if it might be his last.

But the rest of us should save a part of this day to grasp the moment, step back and appreciate what we could be watching.


Status uncertain
Clemens might in fact be fighting for his last outs in an Astros home uniform. This might be the last time he pitches in a city whose baseball history he helped redefine.

For all the talk, hope and rumor of Clemens returning to the Astros next season, there have been no guarantees. No hints, even.

With the Cardinals' 2-0 edge in this series, there will come a time today when Clemens will have to walk off the hill. And we will be left to wonder.

The next time we see Clemens at Minute Maid, could he be sitting in the diamond club seats behind home plate, perhaps sharing stories with that other icon who often sits there, Nolan Ryan?

No doubt Clemens has had a wonderful ride this season. The lengths the Astros have gone to accommodate his cherished family time has not been the slightest problem for teammates or management.

Everything has worked out perfectly since his decision last winter to join Andy Pettitte and take a chance on trying to give the franchise its first World Series appearance.

Naturally, part of him wants to return next season when he will turn 43. And no one has proved to be more productive and important on the field and in the clubhouse than Clemens.

Roy Oswalt shared center stage. Carlos Beltran entered and became heroic. Brad Lidge saved the day.

Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell, Lance Berkman and Jeff Kent went on big tears. Management made the moves, and Phil Garner made a difference.


Tremendous influence
But only Clemens had the same approach, the consistent results, the greatest influence on teammates and the same piercing stare beginning to end.

They need him today. And next year.

But of course, every season things change. Rosters change. Even if the Astros rebound in the NLCS, take this series and win the World Series, tough baseball decisions await.

Some of those decisions might hinge on whether Clemens wants to return. Others might affect Clemens' desire to return.

For example, the Astros might not be able to stay in the free-agent race for Beltran, no matter how many petitions are dropped on Drayton McLane's doorstep.

They might not exercise their option on Kent. They might choose not to keep Biggio as a regular left fielder.

If all those things happen, would the fit be so perfect for Clemens?


Looking ahead
As long as Pettitte and Oswalt are around, with Lidge the closer, returning in 2005 will be an attractive option for Clemens.

If Wade Miller returns healthy and with Brandon Backe earning his stripes, the Astros' starting staff could be mind-blowing good.

But Clemens also could be looking at an everyday lineup with Willy Taveras in center field, Chris Burke at second, Adam Everett at short and the promising but still-growing Morgan Ensberg and Mike Lamb platooning at third.

That roster could win.

But it would be minus key parts that have made 2004 unforgettable.

If the free-agent numbers being thrown around for Beltran prove to be true — six years, $90 million, minimum — there's no way the Astros could sign him without mortgaging themselves elsewhere. Oswalt and Berkman soon will be due huge contracts.

If the Astros give Beltran $90 million, Oswalt and Berkman would be left to wonder if they would get what they deserve in Houston.

Kent has hinted at calling it a career after this season. And as much as Biggio wants to return in his same role next year, the club must decide whether to pick up the $3 million option for next season.

Clemens will have much to think about after he walks off the mound for the final time this year, whenever that might be.

For now, he is thinking only about getting out Cardinals leadoff batter Tony Womack.

But the rest of us should grasp the moment and appreciate the day.

It could be the Rocket's last baseball moment in Houston.


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Whatever happens with the season, I want to thank Roger for coming home and helping us out. Without him, none of this excitement would be possible. Go Stros!

 

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Sounds easy enough, let's do it