ROCKET NOT AIMED AT SHEA
Last year, Joe Torre claimed he had no reservations about pitching Roger Clemens at Shea. But yesterday, with Mets-Yanks just two weeks away and Clemens even more hated in Flushing after his World Series bat-throwing incident, Torre admitted otherwise.
Torre acknowledged he’d rather not have Clemens (5-1, 4.26 ERA) pitch at Shea when the Mets host the Bombers June 15-17.
As a result, Torre said last night, he’s leaning toward revamping his rotation in the next two weeks in an effort to avoid starting the five-time Cy Young Award winner at Shea.
The prospective move didn’t seem to astonish the Mets, who defeated the Marlins 11-5 last night in Miami. Although Mike Piazza had no comment, several other Mets echoed reliever John Franco.
“It doesn’t surprise anybody,” Franco said. “It’s good managing.”
The Amazin’s may not be surprised now, but they were angered last July when The Rocket beaned Mike Piazza, and they were livid when Clemens threw part of a broken bat at the catcher during the World Series.
Clemens was in line to start the finale of the three-game series on Sunday, June 17. Since the game is in an NL park and there’s no DH, Clemens would have to bat – and would be vulnerable to any retaliation Met pitchers saw fit to take.
page 44 in metro

