The Clemens Poll

[dimaggio5]

The rumors are heating up and when there's smoke there is a fire

[disgruntledjetsfan]

only if the cost is reasonable. Of course i would like to see him back, i dont think anyone would have a chance at beating us this year if he does return, but i dont think the yanks should give up prospects, like wang and cano, for a guy who won't pitch more than 2 years for us.

[so0perspam]

The Yanks need consistency from their staff, and Clemens brings just that.

[blankman]

I can't argue with having him back, but I absolutely do not want to see Cano go for anyone. Here's one guy the Yankees have actually brought up, he's very young and he looks great.

If it were just taking on the salary, I'd love the deal, but that likely won't work.

[dimaggio5]

I totally agree that only if we don't trade our key prospects and only as a salary relief but the problem rising from this for the stros is. The owner of the Stros (forget his name) has publicly denied any such preexisting agreement to trade Clemens to the Yanks. So if he were to trade Clemens to us he'd prob have to save his face somehow by making sure he gets a really good prospect(s). And that would prob mean a Cano, Wang or Duncan. The Yanks have some very good lower level prospects but given the overall state of the Yankee farm system I would really hate to trade from there too. Hopefully George can finagle a "sweet" low grade prospect deal that is heavily cash laddened.

[SaintsOfTheDiamond]

The only way that Clemens goes back to NY is if another team (or two) gets involved. The deal would have to knock the socks off the Astros in terms of prospects and/or cash, and the Yanks really don't have the goods to deliver on either right now. Even if Houston's long out of it, Clemens brings in so much money with every start and the PR repercussions would more than likely be so bad that they would be insane to move him for anything less than big-time prospects if you ask me.

[WharfRat]

The only guys the Yankees could trade, they shouldn't. I'm not convinced the Yankees completely need Clemens back anyway, but it sure would be reassuring to see him go out there every five days. But don't forget that Clemens pays dividends for Houston in terms of fan interest, revenue, etc, not only for in-game stats. They'd need a lot to let him go.

[reznorsboy]

I don't think he would come back

[WharfRat]

I don't think he would come back

He's apparently been telling friends he would. He wants another ring.

[Amazinz]

I didn't vote but I'm not sure getting Clemens would be the best move. Obviously, any time you add the Rocket to your rotation you're a better team but this Yankees team should be able to win consistently and challenge for a WS without Clemens. If they can't do that (and there's still a lot of season to be played) then I'm not sure adding Clemens would have that big of an effect.

Now if this was purely a money deal I think the Yankees, or any big market team for that matter, should be all over it. But it's going to take minor league talent and the Yankees are an old team. They have the money to make things happen in the off-season but they need, IMO, to hold onto the young talent they have. They didn't become a great team just by plugging holes.