Roger Clemens's deal-agree with it? Disagree? Don't care?

Question

Did Farnsworth have a legitimate gripe?

Answer 1

Disagree. No one is worth that kind of money. As a Die hard Yankee fan, I would have rather seen him go to the Red Sox to finish his career. He's not going to help the Yankees that much. Farnsworh should keep his mouth shut because he sucks! He's lucky to still have a job. The Yankees just need to get in sync. One day great pitching and no hitting. The next day crappy pitching and great hitting. It's not Torre's fault either except when he puts in Meyers or Farnsworth.

Answer 2

I think a lot of people who answered this question are missing what Farnsworth was griping about in the first place... He wasn't necessarily complaining about the contract... He was complaining about a clause in the contract: The infamous "Freedom Clause" that allows Roger to come and go as he pleases when he's not scheduled to pitch (in other words he doesn't have to be with the team when he's not "working.")..... I can see Farnsworth's point...and for most players it would be legitimate... But, in Roger's case, I say let him do whatever... What makes Clemens different, is that he can ALMOST always be counted on to get the job done.....and he's established himself.... Why not ?

What I find amazing is how much attention the "Freedom Clause" is getting now that he's in New York.... Does anybody remember that he had it for 3 years in Houston? I guess bigger market = more publicity...which is what "Rocket" wanted anyway...........

I think it boils down to the fact, that I really don't care.... If he pitches well and wins the Yanks some games...great.... if not.... oh well......no big loss.... 'cept for money....

But, first thing's first..... I was watching Clemens in his second minor league start....and I can tell you, if he doesn't get his legs back under him soon, the "Freedom Clause" is not gonna be the Yankees' biggest concern.... They'll be trying to get rid of him.... He absolutely stunk it up..... his didn't have control of his splitter, and his fastball BARELY toped out at 91-92.... That's a concern..... Let's worry about the legs first...the "Freedom Clause" later....the money...however absurd the amount may be, isn't really our problem anyway. George does what George wants to do.

Now, do I think "Rocket" is a prima donna and all this is getting way out of hand? ABSOLUTELY! I just wonder if he's got enought fuel left to help the Yankees out. The Astros may just come out looking smart by not resigning him if he doesn't.

Answer 3

He may have, but being a Yankee fan, I've seen Farnsworth give up way too many runs this year and blow the game. Personally I think Clemens should be at all the games but at the same time I could care less so long as he does a good job. As long as he does what he needs to do to help this team, then I don't care what kind of a contract he has.

Answer 4

Disagree. Giving 28 million for a 6 inning pitcher with a fastball that will top out at around 91. Not for that kind of money. If it was 10 million i would like that better. The yankees need a Horse. A pitcher who can go deep into games and has good stuff. The problem is how many pitchers these days finish an entire game? But i must admit the yankees have the lineup that can score runs so maybe a 6 inning pitcher is just what they need. If he gets run support roger will be fine but i dont like the price that he was given.

Answer 5

The money aspect of the business is between Clemens and Yankee management. If they are willing to pay him that amount of money than that is his market value. The special clause in his contract where he can come and go between starts is another issue. I believe the message it sends is not a good one to his teammates. Baseball is a team game and he should not be just a hired gun, he owes it to his team to be there for every game and his presence alone could help win games when he is not pitching. I have to side with Farnsworth and his comments.

Answer 6

i look at it this way. Wang pitches say on tuesday night, He has a rough outing and lasts 4 innings. the yankees go to the bullpen and use three or four relievers. Now clemens pitches wedensday night Does he only go six innings like his contract states or is he willing to pitch longer because they need him too. I think farnsworth does have a legitimate gripe.

Answer 7

Maybe but farnsworth has not been around long enough or produced enough to have earned the right to gripe about one of the best and hardest working pitchers to ever play the game

Answer 8

I think when you pay a pitcher or any player that much money you are ruining the game of baseball. Clemens is worth alot of money, but not 4.5 million dollars a month. Just like Dice K isn't worth all the money the Sox paid for him. It's getting out of hand and baseball will suffer from it down the road. I guarantee that.

Answer 9

I see Farnsworth argument. But Clemens is Clemens and if anyone has earned it he has. The Yankees just lost Pavano for sure, and they need Clemens to add strentgh to that rotation.

Its the team not individuals.

Answer 10

Don't care.

It's Georgie's money. Let him spend as dumb as he can. His impact will be minimal on the team. All he'll do is get the Yankees more press and maybe give them 10-12 wins. THey still have bad pitching and they are not going to win the World Series, maybe get to playoffs as a wild card...we'll see where they are at by the all-star game.
He is not an impact player. I'm not a Yankee fan but I would of spent my money on 2 solid pitchers or a relief picther cuz they'll need it if they wanna get close to Boston.