Clemens to Astros'? Maybe...

Roger Clemens made an unexpected appearance at the start of the Houston Astros’ mini-camp Monday, pitching batting practice to some of the team's minor-league prospects, including his son Koby.

Clemens, 43, hasn't decided whether he'll play a 23rd season. He led the majors with a 1.87 ERA last year but was plagued by back and hamstring problems late in the season. He limped off the field after two innings in Game 1 of the World Series.

Clemens said Monday his back and hamstring were healed, but he has doubts whether he could last another full season.

"There will be a week I get up and I feel like I can do it again and then the next week, I don't want to get out in the outfield and start running those poles and doing those things," Clemens said. "If last year's World Series was it for me, I'm more than happy. I know we didn't reach our ultimate goal, but it was a lot of fun. I have a lot to think about."

Clemens, a free agent, wasn't offered salary arbitration by the Astros and cannot re-sign with them until May 1. But Monday, Clemens took the mound at Minute Maid Park wearing a black Astros shirt and matching cap as he worked up a sweat pitching for about 20 minutes.

"My body feels great, arm feels good," he said. "I just need the conditioning with my legs. When I have a little extra-long session here, like I was able to throw BP and simulate a couple of hitters, it helps a lot."

Clemens said he didn't overexert himself during Monday's workout, throwing a handful of game-level fastballs. He still was sore afterward.

"Two split-fingers hurt my elbow like you wouldn't believe, and I've got a heartbeat in the back of my shoulder right now," Clemens said.

Clemens planned to throw again Tuesday and Wednesday.

He said his focus now is the World Baseball Classic, not the upcoming regular season. Clemens is on the U.S. roster and said Monday he hopes to tell manager Buck Martinez within 12 days if he can pitch effectively. If he can't, he won't play.

"If I'm going to be active, I want to make a good showing," Clemens said. "It's not an exhibition game, it's the real deal. It's not spring training, where I can get out there and I start getting hammered around, they just leave me out there to get my pitch count in."

Hall-of-Famer Nolan Ryan, a power pitcher like Clemens who retired at 46, expects Clemens to play this season. Ryan works in the Astros' front office and chatted with Clemens before Monday's workout.

"I don't expect him not to pitch because of the competitor he is," Ryan said. "If he can physically do it, I think he'll do it. That's his life."

When Clemens signed with the Astros in January 2004, he also signed a personal services contract that would keep him with the team in some capacity for 10 years after he retires.

Clemens said he showed up Monday mainly to work with the Astros' prospects, a hint of what he'll do after he's finished playing.

"This is my home, whether I play here or not, no matter what, I'm going to come back and work for these kids and be around the organization," Clemens said. "I'll go out and shake hands and see everybody here, but I want to work with the kids behind the scenes in the minor leagues. Right now, that's the only deal I've got."

Games of Interest This Season

Games I am considering thus far for 2006:

• April 7th – Southwest Airlines Cap Night – vs. Detroit
• April 9th – Michael Young Bobble-Head night – vs. Detroit (actually a day game)
• May 26th – FSN Southwest Cap Night – vs. Oakland
• June 16th – Build a Bear – vs. D-Backs
• June 18th – Father’s Day Poker Set – vs. D-Backs
• July 2nd – Picnic Blanket – vs. HOUSTON ASTROS
• July 7th – Rangers T-Shirt – vs. Twins
• July 28th – Build a Bear – vs. Royals
• July 29th – Mark Teixeira Bobble-Head night – vs. Royals
• August 11th – Jim Sundberg Bobble-Head night – vs. Seattle
• August 12th – Rangers HOF Pin Set – vs. Seattle
• August 26th – Coca-Cola Rangers T-Shirt – vs. Oakland

I most likely will attend games outside of this, but this is what I am looking at right now… one thing that draws my attention is the Rangers brought back Autograph Wednesday’s, which I liked a lot several years ago when they had them then. I might be intrigued enough to catch one or two of those this year. We’ll see how it goes.

Some News and Thoughts

Some may wonder what I may think of the Super Bowl this year… well, let’s see… I don’t like the bird fish and I am not a Steelers fan. But, between the two, I like the Steelers simply because of the accomplishment they have already made this post season. Vegas likes them too, but Vegas is only right a certain percent of the time, making them wrong the rest of the time. Seattle is hot. Pittsburgh doesn’t like to play at home. Mercy, mercy, me. I would think Pittsburgh would be the underdog… but Vegas likes them. So, to spite the world, I say Seattle. No real playoff experience and Pittsburgh can’t win every time away from home… a loss is bound to happen between the two, right? The real question is can Pittsburgh continue to win yet another game away from their house? I say no. It’s like a tornado putting together a plane… the odds are against them.

On a different note, the weekend was a great one. I went to the Rangers Fan Fest and got a ton of autographs, including John Wetland, who just signed with the Nationals. Kameron Loe also signed for us, and loved my son… I already have Orel, who is going to be an ESPN commentator. We got a ton of free stuff: tickets, baseball gloves, posters, and binoculars. Was it worth the five dollars to get in? Most definitely. I will be selling discount tickets to the Rangers soon to benefit the homeless. Links will hopefully be provided by an organization I have been working with over the past few months… more to come on that later. If you are interested, let me know by emailing me at jonathonray201@hotmail.com and include in the subject line: Discount Ranger Tickets along with questions/comments you may have. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY INFORMATION ABOUT PAYMENT MATERIAL – SUCH AS CREDIT CARD NUMBERS, BANK INFORMATION, ETC. I want to protect myself and you. Only send that information through an https website, due to security measures. On a different note, this company will be able to set up other people throughout the US if you are interested in discount tickets for a different team, such as the Braves, White Sox, Astros and Diamondbacks. Again, more information to come within the next few weeks. Johnny Out.

Sales Pitch for Rocket

From the Dallas Morning News:

The sales pitch for Roger Clemens has officially begun.

Rangers’ owner Tom Hicks said Monday that he has drafted a letter on behalf of the club to Clemens' agent, Allan Hendricks, describing the reasons why Arlington would be a good professional home in 2006 for the 43-year-old future Hall of Famer. Hicks said he planned to send the letter Monday.

Hicks wouldn't discuss specifics, but said the letter included some financial parameters. He said he also provided some information about how the Rangers see their team with Clemens and lifestyle issues in regards to Clemens' desire to spend as much time with his family as possible. Hicks said that might include allowing Clemens to travel some on his own to ease any concerns he might have about time away from his family.

"I don't think this is going to be about money," said Hicks, who was at American Airlines Center for a news conference Monday about the 2007 NHL All-Star game to be held in Dallas. "I think Roger wants to be able to see his family. We're not far away and we would love for him to come here."

Hendricks said last week that Clemens wouldn't ponder returning until early February. And Hicks doesn't expect Clemens to make any decisions about where he might play until March. Hicks said the indications are that if Clemens decides to play, he'd like to meet at his home with prospective teams.

"Now all we can do is wait and see if they want to have a meeting," Hicks said. "I hope they do."

By RICHARD DURRETT / The Dallas Morning News

The Road to the Soup

The Road to the Soup…

Carolina (13-5) at Seattle (14-3)

Carolina: (13-5)
9/11: New Orleans L 23-20
9/18: New England W 27-17
9/25: at Miami L 27-24
10/3: Green Bay W 32-29
10/9: at Arizona W 24-20
10/16: at Detroit W 21-20
10/30: Minnesota W 38-13
11/6: at Tampa Bay W 34-14
11/13: NY Jets W 30-3
11/20: at Chicago L 13-3
11/27: at Buffalo W 13-9
12/4: Atlanta W 24-6
12/11: Tampa Bay L 20-10
12/18: at New Orleans W 27-10
12/24: Dallas L 24-20
1/1: at Atlanta W 44-11

Playoffs:
1/8: at NY Giants W 23-0
1/15: at Chicago W 29-21

Seattle: (14-3)
9/11: at Jacksonville L 26-14
9/18: Atlanta W 21-18
9/25: Arizona W 37-12
10/2: at Washington L 20-17
10/9: at St. Louis W 37-31
10/16: Houston W 42-10
10/23: Dallas W 13-10
11/6: at Arizona W 33-19
11/13: St. Louis W 31-16
11/20: at San Francisco W 27-25
11/27: NY Giants W 24-21
12/4: at Philadelphia W 42-0
12/11: San Francisco W 41-3
12/18: at Tennessee W 28-24
12/24: Indianapolis W 28-13
1/1: at Green Bay L 23-17

Playoffs:
1/8: Washington W 20-10

So let’s see… since the 2-2 start for Seattle… they have gone 12-1, beating the Giants, ‘skins, and the Colts… and let’s not mention 83-3 run they had between Philly and the 9ers. The water birds can play. The two teams have played only twice, once during the 2000 season (in Carolina, who won 26-3) and in the 2004 season (in Seattle, who won 23-17). Now… here’s the fun part. Carolina seems to like playing on the road and Seattle likes to play at home. In fact, Seattle hasn’t lost at home this season yet. YET. When you are 9-0 at your house… it gives you confidence. And Jake the Snake likes to see prideful souls fall. This guy is like Magic Joe… the guy just performs when you don’t expect it. Logic is screaming that Seattle is going to take this one but yet my heart says the Cats will prevail once more to take some Campbell’s home. Cats like soup… and, well, the water birds… they seem fishy to me… not sure why. Of course, on the other game… the Steelers cheat and Denver… the Denver Broncos… well, let’s just get a strong lead pencil and put them on in to a XL shirt… I don’t think any other team can breathe that cold air in Colorado anyway. Denver will outdo Pittsburgh by 31 to 17 and Carolina will be blessed with the miracle and win it 24 to 20. So… we shall see on Sunday if Mr. Chicken is right. Laterz.

The unfortunate truth

Well... what a hard Sunday. My wife's team lost, mine won... and a good friend of mine, well, he bet against his own team. I could sit down and write why the Rangers will win over 100 games this year and win the world series, and until everything statistic is eliminated, I will hold to that faith til the bitter end. So, would I ever pick against Carolina? NO... well, at least not with money. Would I pick against the Rangers? Not with money. Would I pick against the Mavs? Not with money... Wow... I sat through some pretty horrible seasons with the Cowboys, Mavs, and Rangers and the only time I wanted a visiting team to win was when I saw Jordan and the Bulls go up against my Mavs in one of those horrendous 13 or 14 win seasons... and closing end on regulation, I was actually rooting FOR the Mavs, because they actually had a chance. They lost in OT... but stopping Pippen and Jordan? That was amazing, to say the least. I will be evaluating the Seattle/Carolina game later on in the week.

Can you hear that? I think that is Spring training calling... come on pre-season, get here already!

Chicago Bears

You need a C to spell Suck...

Bush League

http://bushleague.mlb.com/

Alright – I have been getting hungry from baseball, so I finally joined a “fantasy” league. It’s called the “Bush League,” and right now, I am 2-0. If you want to look for me, I am in the Gehrig League, in the Minors’ conference, the All-Star Division, and the Central Region. In the two games, I have scored 13 points and given up only 1. My Team’s name is the Euless Mudcats. I find it very cool, this game stuff… Please join up so that I can beat you senseless.

Hands Free Unit for Phones

According to a proposed new law that would go into effect Jan 1, 2006 you will no longer be able to use a cell phone while driving unless you have a "hands free" adapter. I went to Circuit City and they wanted $50 for a headset with a microphone for my cell phone. Having a friend in the cell phone business, I talked with him and was able to come up with an alternative, working through Office Depot.

These kits are compatible with any mobile phone and one size fits all. I paid him $0.08 each because he bought in quantity. Then we tried it with Motorola, Sprint, Verizon, and Nokia units and they worked perfectly.

A photo is attached, so click the link & take a look. Let me know if you want one. Also, forward this to anyone you know, who has a cell phone, and who may want one!

Click Here

Sunday Football - Bears vs. Panthers

Sunday Football – it’s the game that could divide my home. Panthers vs. Bears. I root for the Panthers, have since they came into existence. The owner is a former player, and to be honest, the logo is just that cool.

A look at the schedules of the two:

Carolina: (12-5)
9/11: New Orleans L 23-20
9/18: New England W 27-17
9/25: at Miami L 27-24
10/3: Green Bay W 32-29
10/9: at Arizona W 24-20
10/16: at Detroit W 21-20
10/30: Minnesota W 38-13
11/6: at Tampa Bay W 34-14
11/13: NY Jets W 30-3
11/20: at Chicago L 13-3
11/27: at Buffalo W 13-9
12/4: Atlanta W 24-6
12/11: Tampa Bay L 20-10
12/18: at New Orleans W 27-10
12/24: Dallas L 24-20
1/1: at Atlanta W 44-11

Playoffs:
1/8: at NY Giants W 23-0

Chicago: (11-5)
9/11: at Washington L 9-7
9/18: Detroit W 38-6
9/25: Cincinnati L 24-7
10/9: at Cleveland L 20-10
10/16: Minnesota W 28-3
10/23: Baltimore W 10-6
10/30: at Detroit W 19-13
11/6: at New Orleans W 20-17
11/13: San Francisco W 17-9
11/20: Carolina W 13-3
11/27: at Tampa Bay W 13-10
12/4: Green Bay W 19-7
12/11: at Pittsburgh L 21-9
12/18: Atlanta W 16-3
12/25: at Green Bay W 24-17
1/1: at Minnesota L 34-10

Well, here’s my thought on it, logically (and not that sports strictly follows logic…). Chicago has a record of 2-3 against playoff teams this year and they average only 16 points per game and give up more yards than they themselves gain per game. Margin of victory for them is 4 points. The Panthers, however, have a record of 3-2 against the teams who made the playoffs, had a harder schedule than the Bears, and posted a shutout in the playoffs. Average margin of victory for the Panthers is 8 points and score close to 25 points per game while giving up only 16, a little more than the Bears 12… of the five Panther loses, none were more than 10 points. The Bears have three over 10, one at 14, one at 17, and the last game of the regular season which was 24 points (arguments can be made about resting players, blah, blah, blah). I can now start spouting of clichés of “the game can most likely be decided by who wants it more…” and garbage like that, but really it boils down to 11/20. The two played each other then and Chicago won and by 10 points, actually. It wasn’t really a true blowout in my mind. But it is going to be in Chicago, a bye off and they have beat Carolina earlier this year. A lot of intangibles pointing to Chicago… and that is why I am really starting to think Carolina in all this. I mean, they handed a shutout to a playoff team, on the road, and (let’s be honest) in New York. I mean, who likes to play in New York, in any sport, for that matter. Now they head to Ditka land and even though Mike isn’t there, he’s always there. I think this is going to be a really fun game to watch, especially since I may be having friends and family all around cheering for the “other” team, but my honest to truth gut says Carolina over the Bears with a score of 20 to 13.