[Lefty Noob]

The Rangers are still trying to convince Roger Clemens to sign with them as a free-agent, but according to Newsday, it's not looking good for them: "Rangers owner Tom Hicks... is looking desperate trying to get Clemens' attention. But the Rangers probably are running no better than third right now."

Personally, I've heard all the rumors about him returning to the Red Sox, or going back to the Yankees, or signing with Texas, or staying with Houston. But I think he'll just up and retire after the World Baseball Classic. Regardless, I don't think the Rangers have a snowball's chance in Hades of landing "The Rocket" no matter how hard they try.

[EmpireWF]

I think the only legit teams that have a chance at signing Clemens are Houston (I'd say 80%) and the Yankees (20% chance).

Clemens won't go to Texas because he wants a serious chance to win and if he stays local, he'd just sign with Houston (his local team). He won't sign with Boston because he still feels slighted by them. Not to mention, he still has a relationship with Steinbrenner.

I'm thinking Clemens will pitch in the WBC, go back home and continue getting in baseball shape. He'll sign with the Astros in late May or June and go from there. That way, he won't tire out by the time the playoffs roll around.

[GigEmAgs]

I believe that it could still happen, but only if Hicks offers him enough money. I agree, though, that he will probably go with the Astros in the end, if only because he lives in Katy. No more long commutes, less time away from home. On the other hand, the Yanks are a known quantity for him -- but they're still 1500 miles away. While I might hope and dream that mine and George W.'s favorite ball club might nab a legend for the pitching mound, the chances of it happening are maybe 10%, on a good day. But a guy can dream. With the roster they already have and that arm pitching, the Rangers could tear up the league this year!

[CityofBrotherlyShove]

He won't sign with Boston because he still feels slighted by them

.

If he does, he's a moron. All parties involved in the Clemens vs Duquette war are no longer with the Red Sox. How can a 40 year old man still feel slighted by a logo?

Either way, I pray the Sox don't sign Clemens. He has zero stamina at this point in his career, as evidenced by his poor performance in the late season/playoffs/World Series. $20 million for one year for a guy who will disappear in October? No thanks.

[Lefty Noob]

I heard that he just released a statement where he basically talked about how his late mother wanted him retire, and that he would have to take that into consideration. That leads me to believe that, in his heart, he really does want to come back. Like CoBS said, though, his tank was pretty much on 'E' near the end of '05. How much does he REALLY have left?

[EmpireWF]

He's still a great pitcher, he just can't go for 30-something starts. He'll sign with Houston in May or June and he'll go from there. He'll be more effective should the 'Stros make it into October.

[wvuauthor]

In my opinion Clemens could be a good pick up, but like Empire said, not for
30 + starts. I am sure that he could be effective, especially if he is well rested for a team that is looking to make a playoff run.

[ThePundit]

Clemens has nothing left to prove. He's just phenominal. He should just go out on a high note and call it quits. I'd hate to his legacy tainted by a bad year. Nobody stays good forever.

[Lefty Noob]

According to a 3/11 story in the Boston Herald, the Rocket may still wind up a Ranger.

The Texas Rangers continued their romancing of Roger Clemens yesterday, as the team’s owner showed up at Scottsdale Stadium to watch the Rocket pitch four shutout innings in Team USA’s 17-0, five-inning victory over South Africa in the opening round of the World Baseball Classic.

You know what they say. Where there's smoke, there's fire...