Why The Rocket Will Re-Launch in NY

Yankee fans were floating on cloud nine for 6 1/3 innings last night. The future of the franchise looked the role by no-hitting a dangerous Texas lineup, the bats awoke to the tune of 9 runs, and the Bombers were en route to a crucial victory. Then Phil Hughes clutched his hamstring after an 0-2 delivery and all the good feelings washed away. In a 9-0 game, with the mounting injuries, it was a no-brainer to pull the kid. Later on we learned the injury will cost him 4-6 weeks. Another devastating blow in a rough early season.

The natural question on everyone's minds is will this latest injury expedite the Roger Clemens process? One would have to think so, but his agent Randy Hendricks remains tight lipped on the situation. There are really a multitude of reasons I believe he'll be back, but I'll get in to a few major ones with one caveat...we must remain at least on the heels of the Sox. He's not coming back to watch the playoffs on TV.

1) The Yankee organization remains largely in tact from his last trip here (Steinbrenner, Cash, Torre, Jeter, Posada, Mo) and he loves those guys. He'd welcome the chance to suit up for the execs and despite Rivera's early season troubles, would love handing the ball to him late in games.

2) He would love to be reunited with his best-friend Andy Pettitte. Pretty much the same as above, but deserves special mention due to their special relationship.

3) Boston embarrassed him last time he was there by saying he was in "the twilight of his career". Granted the man largely responsible for the decision, as well as the quote, is gone, Roger has too much pride for that not to hurt. I think there's more of a grudge there than people embrace.

4) He wants to wear a Yankees cap in to the HOF. What better way to justify that than to punctuate his career with another ring in NY, and another season (well, half) to put on his resume as a Pinstriper.

5) Not that he's the mentoring type, but if he could be considered "instrumental" in the progress of Mini-Rocket Phil Hughes, his legacy grows even greater. A man who names his kids all K's to recognize his strikeout wizardry clearly has the ego to take that in to account.

FOX will broadcast a Saturday Subway Series tilt in the Bronx on Saturday June 16th. The man making his season debut on the mound for the Bombers will be wearing #22.