Roger Clemens

2013

There was no outlook written for Roger Clemens.

2008

Clemens' early-season return to the Yankees felt a lot like the return of a WWE superstar from an extended absence, as he officially announced his comeback during the seventh-inning stretch of a Saturday afternoon game at Yankee Stadium in May. Clemens made 17 starts for the Yankees, but given the pro-rated portion of $28 million that they paid him for his efforts, they didn't necessarily get their money's worth. Clemens' 6.18 K/9 mark was the lowest of his 24-year career and the early word during the offseason was that he was finally set to retire. However, after he was named as a user of banned substances in the Mitchell report, there's some talk he may pitch another season to help repair his reputation. Still, at age 45 at the start of next season, he may finally have run out of gas.

2007

Clemens went 7-6 with a 2.30 ERA and a 102/29 K/BB ratio in 113.1 innings. We all know the story here. If he comes back for one more year, he'll be a top-10 pitcher in whatever league he's in.

2006

The scourge of writers on deadline is a free agent on New Year's Day, and might remain so deep into spring. If he plays, you have to consider him a top-10 NL starter, even in 80% of a season.

2005

Clemens became the oldest pitcher to win a Cy Young award in 2004 at age 42. He hasn't lost a step at his age and should be among the NL's best starters again if he returns. Expect a decision late in the offseason if he'll return with the Astros or retire.

2004

Clemens changed his mind about retirement and decided to join friend Andy Pettitte in Houston. While Clemens didn't show any signs of age last season, the risk is to the downside in a hitters park and with his age well past 40.

2003

Clemens posted the third highest ERA (4.35) of his career in 2002, but looking at his underlying numbers, he pitched just about as well as he did in 2001 when he won the Cy Young award. Clemens' K/BB ratio of 192/63 was in line with his career marks, and his K/IP ratio of 192/180 was actually better than his career mark and the best he has posted since his dominant 1998 season with Toronto. Moreover, he didn't allow an inordinate amount of hits (172) or home runs (18). If Clemens were 10 years younger, we would feel very comfortable in forecasting a season with more wins and a better ERA in 2003 on the basis of last season's numbers. But Clemens will turn 41 next August, and as much of a horse as he has been, he will go steeply downhill at some point in the next couple seasons. Our gut tells us that he will still be good in 2003, but if you bid on him, be aware of his downside.