Maroon87
03-08-2006, 09:49 AM
FOXSports.com
Roger Clemens plans to retire after the conclusion of the World Baseball Classic, ending a brilliant career that spanned 22 seasons. But there is glitch, according to a USA Today report.
Clemens is essentially reserving the right to return to the game this summer.
"Right now, I don't see myself playing," Clemens told USA Today on Monday. "I'm not going to start the season with anyone. I made my mind up. And when I do shut it down, I'll be walking away with a smile on my face. There will be no regrets, because I feel like I've done it the right way."
Clemens will start for Team USA against South Africa on Friday. And he might get another start in the tournament.
After that, Clemens has indicated that his focus will shift more towards his sons' playing careers.
He also says that it is unlikely he will pitch again, but can't guarantee he will stay retired. The Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox are all interested in acquiring Clemens, who will turn 44 in August after pitching to a major-league best 1.87 ERA last season for the Astros.
"It's very flattering that teams still want me," Clemens said. "But hopefully I can just fade away. I'm going to watch my sons play. I'll see Koby (a third baseman in the Astros organization) play a little bit and get my other one (Kory) out of high school. I'll stay active. There are a lot of things I want to do."
But don't rule out a possible return to the mound this season.
"But the only thing is if I'm sitting in the stands in Boston, or New York, or somewhere in May, and get the itch again, who knows what will happen?"
Stay tuned.
Roger Clemens plans to retire after the conclusion of the World Baseball Classic, ending a brilliant career that spanned 22 seasons. But there is glitch, according to a USA Today report.
Clemens is essentially reserving the right to return to the game this summer.
"Right now, I don't see myself playing," Clemens told USA Today on Monday. "I'm not going to start the season with anyone. I made my mind up. And when I do shut it down, I'll be walking away with a smile on my face. There will be no regrets, because I feel like I've done it the right way."
Clemens will start for Team USA against South Africa on Friday. And he might get another start in the tournament.
After that, Clemens has indicated that his focus will shift more towards his sons' playing careers.
He also says that it is unlikely he will pitch again, but can't guarantee he will stay retired. The Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox are all interested in acquiring Clemens, who will turn 44 in August after pitching to a major-league best 1.87 ERA last season for the Astros.
"It's very flattering that teams still want me," Clemens said. "But hopefully I can just fade away. I'm going to watch my sons play. I'll see Koby (a third baseman in the Astros organization) play a little bit and get my other one (Kory) out of high school. I'll stay active. There are a lot of things I want to do."
But don't rule out a possible return to the mound this season.
"But the only thing is if I'm sitting in the stands in Boston, or New York, or somewhere in May, and get the itch again, who knows what will happen?"
Stay tuned.