$1M Appearance Fee...

The New York Yankees have had a tough beginning to the Major League Baseball season. Their struggles have been largely due to an injury-plagued starting rotation and a fatigued and largely ineffective bullpen. With a brief announcement on Sunday afternoon, things are beginning to look up for the Pinstripes. In what many - including me - predicted well before the season began, Roger Clemens has signed a one-year contract to return to the Bronx for one last fling.


The announcement was made during the 7th-inning stretch of Sunday's game against the Mariners. Using the stadium's public address system, Clemens announced to the fans in attendance, "Well, they came and got me out of Texas and I can tell you it's a privilege to be back. I'll be talking to y'all soon." With that, the hopes of Yankees fans around the globe were immediately resurrected.


Notice however, that I didn't say the hopes of the Yankees' themselves were immediately revived. With Clemens' return comes a steep pricetag and lofty expectations. His contract is valued at just about $28 million dollars this season, but Clemens will only earn about $18.5 million because of his late arrival on the Yankees' roster. Still, with only 5 months remaining in the season and an expected 20 starts for Clemens, the current legend and future Hall of Fame pitcher will earn approximately $1M each time he steps to the pitching mound this season - a pretty steep show-up fee. With the Yankees currently sitting near the bottom of the American League standings, the Rocket's return will have to make a significant impact to push this team into the postseason.


By locking up $18.5M for the remainder of this year on Roger Clemens, the Yankees may have taken themselves out of the running for mid-season trade possibilities for high-priced superstars who may be available if their current teams are out of contention early.


Ironically, the Yankees won today's game against the Mariners due to outstanding pitching from a young (and very inexpensive) starter and a suddenly revitalized bullpen. Though nobody believes the Yankees could have contended with their current pitching woes, it's not a sure bet that their million-dollar showup fee each time Clemens takes the mound will pay off in the end. Only time will tell, but there's one 45-year old Texan who's certain to win this year, regardless of where the Yankees wind up.