Rocket Returning?

The Yankees seem to think they're the likely landing spot for the Rocket. Today they announced that second baseman Robinson Cano will be switching his number from 22 to 24 if Clemens were to agree to sign. To refresh everyone's memory, 22 is the number Clemens wore during his last tenure in the Bronx. No one is trying to hide the motives behind the switch, not even Cano. According to the New York Post, Cano had the following to say:

"I was happy to give up the number to a future Hall of Famer if Roger comes aboard. Hopefully, he will be one of my teammates, I'll have the pleasure of playing with him."

Despite the switch, Clemens' camp remains mum on his intentions. In fact, agent Randy Hendricks went so far as to suggest a decision will not be made for quite some time. Just as it was a year ago, many speculate Clemens decision will come down to the Yankees, Red Sox, and hometown Astros. The Red Sox offseason spending splurge included $103 million (including the posting fee) to pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka. It is believed they are happy with their projected rotation, but they'd probably feel comfortable adding Clemens to send Jonathan Papelbon back to his closer's role. They spent an excessive amount of money bringing Matsuzaka, as well as J.D Drew and Julio Lugo, to Fenway that their offer may not be able to reach the Yankees. Clemens' hometown Astros seems to be the best fit for personal reasons. He enjoyed being close to family and being able to spend off days at home. This offseason the Astros acquired Carlos Lee, the big bat they've been missing throughout Clemens tenure. However, they may have spend too much on him to make a competitive offer.

The Yankees were not willing to be flexible on Clemens schedule demands a year ago, but reportedly would be more open now that veteran Randy Johnson has been traded. It has also been reported that Clemens and Johnson were not on good terms, so the Unit's departure also paved the way. Not only that, the money they freed up by trading Johnson, Sheffield, and Jaret Wright gives them flexibility. The announcement of the number switch should not be perceived as Clemens' imminent arrival in the Bronx. However, it does not seem rational the Yankees would make this kind of announcement if talks were not under way. There's no way they can feel comfortable with their current starting rotation and Clemens could be the final piece. While Cashman has looked to cut costs and get younger this offseason, there's no doubt he'd break the bank to bring back Clemens.