Chapter 73: One of the Greatest?

Roger Clemens, who's best known currently for being accused of having a pin cushion for a butt, is frequently described as one of baseball's all-time greatest pitchers. But I can't help but wonder what such accolades are based on. His seven Cy Young Awards, three more than anyone else? His 354 victories, eighth all time (for now)?

But this is exactly the point that anti-steroid people should be harping on: anything he achieved after he allegedly started using the drugs is tainted. The man was breaking down; steroids and HGH reportedly help speed up the healing process. His fastball was becoming less dominant, but suddenly he went to Toronto and was able to mow down the opposition, winning the Cy Young Award in both seasons north of the border. I believe he won almost 200 games for the Red Sox, so he surely would have topped 200 if he'd never taken any enhancements. He'd won two Cys in Boston with three 20-win seasons and a pair of 18-win years. And of course he had struck out thousands of batters and been the first to notch 20 Ks in a nine-inning game (twice).

In short, he was a probable Hall of Famer. Does it matter that at that point, he wasn't among the top five who could compete for "one of the greatest"?

You see, I don't care who is called "the greatest" of the past fifty years, because none of these guys is Cy Young or Walter Johnson. They're not even Christy Mathewson. In a big game, I'd take any of those guys over the Rocket. I'd lean toward Tom Seaver or possibly Warren Spahn over Clemens at any point during the regular season. [Spahn is one of those guys who never gets enough credit. He retired with 363 wins -- fifth all time -- and probably would have topped 400 if not for World War II.]

I am sick of hearing about Roger Clemens the pitcher. I'm far more interested in seeing his reputation sink lower. Remember when Roger was best known as a headhunter? Then he was a surly bugger who wasn't satisfied with earning his salary. Red Sox fans hate him.

No. This man is not one of the greatest pitchers, at least as I define them (top five). Take him away.