Rocket Returns: Hoping for the Best with Roger Clemens

At three o'clock on Sunday afternoon, in a scene straight out of the WWE, MLB mercenary Roger Clemens announced his return to the New York Yankees from George Steinbrenner's luxury box at Yankee Stadium.

A loud gasp could be heard coming from the New England area.

With starting pitchers dropping like flies and a bullpen that has been used more than Britney Spears' wig collection, the Yankees had to land the Rocket. Although it's unsettling to see the Yankees overspending again after trading away Randy Johnson and Gary Sheffield, I can't say I disagree with the move.

Of course, Yankee haters are up in arms—but if Clemens had signed with their team, they'd be thrilled. 

Yes, it was a desperation move by the Bombers. But given the circumstances, and the number of zeroes in Steinbrenner's bank account—can you blame them?

It's not as if the Yankees are paying $150 million for Barry Zito, or $50 million for Gil Meche, or mortgaging their future by giving up prospects. They're paying $28 million for one of the best pitchers of all time. It's not my money, or your money—or Derek Jeter's money, for that matter.

It's George's money, and if George wants to shell out millions to give his team a chance to win...so be it.

As for the announcement: Only the Yankees could pull off something so hammy yet so dramatic. Anyone who saw it live had to have felt some kind of twinge. There was definitely electricity in the air—and that's the point, isn't it?

After all, baseball's supposed to be entertaining—and what happened Sunday afternoon was exactly that.

This was a big weekend in New York: The Yankees went from last place to second in the standings, Chien-Ming Wang almost pitched a perfect game, and the Rocket told the world he's coming back to the Bronx. After an abysmal April, the Yankees look poised to turn things around.

And okay, Clemens is only going to go five or six innings per start, which isn't going to help the bullpen...and yes, he doesn't have to go on road trips, and can come and go as he pleases. That said, any arrangement would be better than Kei Igawa giving up eight runs in four innings, or Chase Wright surrendering back-to-back-to...well, you all remember that piece of history.

Clemens' pitching prowess isn't his only asset—his  mere presence will give the Yanks a huge boost. The Rocket's a first ballot Hall-of-Famer who brings fire and knowledge to the clubhouse; just think of the influence he could have on young phenom Phil Hughes.

And if there's anyone who can brush David Ortiz off the plate, it's got to be Roger Clemens.

Maybe I'm being too optimistic here. I know I was way too optimistic about Carl Pavano, but that's the way I am.

(By the way, that's the last time I'll mention Pavano's name—ever.)

My prediction for Clemens: 11-5 with a 3.80 ERA...and one more World Series ring. Look for the Red Sox to drop out of first place much earlier than usual.