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Wait, what about Ted Lilly...uh, nevermind.

Aren't they not paying Clemens yet anyway? Not until he makes a major league start?

I think he's getting paid - something - now. And, the fact that it's a minor league deal means that it can be broken without having to pay out the life of the deal.

Or does Roger not want to play another year on a bad team?

RS don't seem to want him, I doubt he wants to play for the Astros where he gets about half a run a game, and the Yankees, ah, aren't that good.

Clemens' pro-rated salary is based on when he starts to play for the major-league team. The longer he sits, the less he gets paid. They said it worked out to about a million a start, so you can say his "fatigued groin" is costing him a million dollars.

But, Steve, you're right here: the Yankees actually need Clemens more now than they did when they announced the deal. With Hughes and Rasner hurt, they don't really have a fourth starter. DeSalvo can't be the fifth starter -- I just don't think he's good enough. Igawa is apparently getting better, but he's not the guy either. Clippard is a good five, but right now he's the four. I personally like Chase Wright, but the Yankees consider him radioactive at this point.

If Hughes was healthy, you wouldn't need Clemens. But with him out another month (at least) you do need him.

Also... don't want to jump the gun or anything... but Ian Kennedy finally got promoted to AA after dominating High-A. He was a four-year college starter and now that he's made it to the higher levels, he should move quick. No, probably not this year, but he'll be in play for next year. With all that's gone on with the starting rotation, don't be shocked the see -- at some point -- a 2008 starting rotation that includes a combination of Hughes, Kennedy, Chamberlain and Clippard. Also, if Kennedy pitches really well in AA for a month, don't be shocked if him or Clip get traded to Texas for Mark Teixeira.

I'd love for it to come to pass, but the odds are not in my favor. But I reiterate, this team, with all of its bullpen problems, does not need [another] five inning pitcher.

What's the alternative right now, Don? DeSalvo and Igawa aren't that good. The Yankees won't use Chase Wright. Hughes, Rasner and Karstens (who's also not that good) are hurt.

I don't want Clemens at this money, but I'll take him over Matt friggin' DeSalvo.

The money is stupid, but not my main point. The team already has a shaky bullpen, they don't need another non-innings guy.

I believe Chase Wright has pitched poorly in AAA.

Having nothing to do with Clemens, because I won't ever say the Yankees don't need him, but I want to see Chase Wright get another chance. DeSalvo screwed up, and he gets a couple more chances. Chase Wright, quite literally, threw just 4 bad pitches. They just all happened to be against Red Sox power hitters. In consecutive order. I agree that he shouldn't have gotten another start right after that, but I think he deserves another chance.

While part of me would like to see the Yanks out from under the huge financial obligation, not pitching him would send the message that the entire season's over. And despite the team woes, I don't believe that's the case.
Now, if it were pre-wild card days, I'd think differently.