Before she passed away, Roger Clemens’ mom wanted him to move on.
Clemens said yesterday that among his mother’s “final wishes” before she died last September were for the Rocket to retire. That revelation is the strongest indication yet that he will shut it down after next month’s World Baseball Classic.
The 43-year-old right-hander wouldn’t rule out a 2006 return, though, saying his agents “seem to make it tougher and tougher” each winter because of the financial factor.
And yet, physical wear-and-tear and Bess Clemens’ personal plea might make the WBC “Rocket’s Last Stand.”
“It’s the same questions I have every year,” he said during a conference call announcing the U.S. team for the WBC, which runs March 3-20.
“This year being a little bit larger, because my mom’s final wishes, before she passed, she didn’t want me to continue with this grind.
“But nothing changes as far as whether I want to play or not. I still have to challenge myself mentally, can I do it mentally, can I do it physically?
“I hate the fact that my back broke down, and that caused my hamstring to tear last year. I wake up one week when I was going through this process, and I wasn’t going to be able to pitch in [the WBC]. And the next week I felt good enough to go for it. So here we are.”
Clemens reiterated he wouldn’t decide his fate until after the tournament. His selection on the 30-man roster depended solely on his health.
Last season, Clemens was 13-8 with a 1.87 ERA in 32 starts for Houston, earning $18 million. He was happy he pitched in 2005 but mentioned that the Astros “wet the bed in the World Series a little bit.”
He also pointed out that he enjoys coaching and mentioned the eight-year personal services contract he has with the Astros upon his retirement.
In another revelation, Clemens said “a number of teams” visited him in Texas this winter. Recent reports cited the Red Sox as a suitor, which Clemens wouldn’t confirm.
A major-league official said yesterday that the Yankees probably weren’t one of those teams, as the pitcher already knows they covet him. Since the Astros didn’t offer Clemens arbitration, he can’t re-sign with them until May 1.
Questions for Clemens and the issue of the WBC’s relevance for American players dominated the conference call.
U.S. manager Buck Martinez said Alex Rodriguez might also see time at shortstop, his former position.
“We probably wouldn’t start Alex at shortstop,” Martinez cautioned. “We might use him to close out a game here and there.
“Derek Jeter, I’m pretty confident he can play shortstop pretty well, too.”
Jake Peavy and Florida’s Dontrelle Willis will pitch the first two games.
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Team USA
The following players have confirmed their position on Team USA’s 30-man roster. The official U.S. roster will not be submitted to WBC Tournament organizers until March 2.
Catchers
Michael Barrett Cubs
Brian Schneider Nationals
Jason Varitek Red Sox
Randy Winn Giants
Pitchers
Roger Clemens Free agent
Billy Wagner Mets
Chad Cordero Nationals
Brian Fuentes Rockies
Todd Jones Tigers
Brad Lidge Astros
Joe Nathan Twins
Jake Peavy Padres
C.C. Sabathia Indians
Scot Shields Angels
Huston Street A’s
Mike Timlin Red Sox
Dan Wheeler Astros
Dontrelle Willis Marlins
Infielders
Derek Jeter Yankees
Alex Rodriguez Yankees
Chipper Jones Braves
Derrek Lee Cubs
Mark Teixeira Rangers
Chase Utley Phillies
Michael Young Rangers
Outfielders
Johnny Damon Yankees
Jeff Franceour Braves
Ken Griffey, Jr. Reds
Matt Holliday Rockies
Vernon Wells Blue Jays
