Not Tossing Batting Practice Today....I just want to post this from the other day before I forget again


Ok, everyone has that ex-girlfriend that they care about in a positive light and maybe even still love no matter how bad they screwed you. You try to forget about them, ignore them when you see them with someone else, and talk about how dumb you were to have been with her as long as you were. You convince yourself that your replacement has made you so much happier and given you better memories. You quietly hope for a reconciliation, despite all your friends urging to stay away. But in the long run you know that had you stayed together neither party would be happy.

That is how we in Red Sox Nation feel about Roger Clemens. He packed it in his last four years here, (similar to a woman putting on a few extra pounds) although he did play for some bad teams so his numbers were hurt a little by those futile teams led by Butch Hobson.

So during Roger’s free agent year of ’96 a bitter break up ensues. After the break up Roger went out and wins two Cy Young’s with a really bad Toronto team. Ok so she moved on found someone else, it’s not that bad, maybe she’s dating an accountant. She’s got money, but he’s a geek and she isn’t having any fun.

After Clemens’ first Cy Young, a one year grieving period, the Sox went out and got Pedro Martinez. A passionate love affair develops with a younger gorgeous model who loves you too. The Sox go to the playoffs and Pedro wins a Cy Young. Screw that bitch!

Then all of a sudden she dumps the accountant, and starts dating a football player, maybe even a quarterback. He’s bigger than you, stronger than you, makes more money than you and will stop at nothing to flaunt him in front of you. She’s rich, successful and happy without you. Roger meanwhile had asked for a trade and was sent to the Yankees. It was like he had just promoted Communism, or Islamic Fundamentalism, Red Sox nation was irate.

You are still with the model, but now she is getting a little emotional, whiny, and more demanding.
Pedro takes the Sox to the ALCS in ’99 he wins the another Cy Young, and should have won the MVP. The season is highlighted by his Superman performance against Cleveland in Game five of the ALDS. He comes out of the bullpen to throw six no-hit innings against the best offensive team in baseball, all with a sore shoulder.

Next up was a chance meeting with the ex-woman, and more importantly a chance to show that you are so much better off with out her.

In his first trip back to Fenway in Yankee pinstripes Clemens gets shelled giving up 13 hits and eight runs in 4 2/3 innings. Pedro went seven innings and struck out 12. She fell flat on their face right in front of you and all your friends. It’s the ultimate vindication.

Ultimately the Yankees won that series, and eventually the World Series with Roger pitching the clincher in Yankee Stadium. Possibly the darkest day in Red Sox Nation since October 26, 1986.

The football player just signed a new contract worth millions and you have never felt worse in your life.
Pedro has been remarkable since he got here and has had more dynamic performances than Roger has had in that same time, but he hasn’t brought home the elusive championship. Meanwhile Roger has two championship rings.

Now Clemens is on the cusp of another milestone, 300 career wins. He goes for 299 tomorrow here at Fenway Park against the Sox.

The ex is now getting married to the football player, and you have been invited to the wedding. You don’t want to go but you know you have to, because no matter how it did turn out, you still care, whether you want to admit it or not.

Tomorrow night many fans will boo Roger, but just as many will cheer. I myself am torn. He was once a hero of mine, someone I aspired to be. Then he became the symbol for everything I detest. I don’t know completely which one I’ll do until the time comes. But I’m almost positive I will have to cheer for him because I do still care, as does every other true Red Sox fan.