Schadenfreude 25 (A Continuing Series)

Joel Sherman, Post:

Roger Clemens was the last player to join the rest of the Yankees yesterday for the team photo, and that, on this day, felt just right.

He flirts between being part of this team and being a team of his own. Whatever you think of the Joba Rules, the Rocket Rules have been in place longer and are dictated by the player, not the organization. The organization, in fact, mainly just sits around and all but says, "Thank you, Mr. Clemens. Whatever you need, Mr. Clemens."

Yankees doctors, according to the team, determined Clemens has inflammation in his right elbow. ... [Clemens] attempted to make the injury sound worse and himself sound bigger for it. He was setting up yet another - everyone yawn now - John Wayne moment when he comes strolling back into Dodge to save a pinstripe town. ...

The Yankees entrusted that exact decision to Clemens on Monday afternoon, and he looked as if he were doing a Mike Mussina imitation rather than being truly capable of beating the Mariners in a vital game. ... [H]e will go to Houston, follow his own healing procedure and dictate when he returns to the rotation, all while the Yankees are trying to eke into the playoffs.

Vic Ziegel, Daily News:

Can the Yankees make it into the October merry-go-round without Grandpa Roger? ...

Joe Torre says Roger will sit out Sunday's game. He would probably say the same thing if a mosquito came too close to the big guy. The part that must worry the Yankees, the thing Torre can't explain with his usual warm bowl of milk, is what happens if MRI No. 2 doesn't make everything hunky-dory. ...

But before October becomes a month that has no meaning for the Yankees, take a hard look at Clemens' numbers. After 16 starts, he's 6-6, and the Yankees were losers in three of his four no-decisions. His earned run average has jumped to 4.45. Those are numbers only Mike Mussina would be proud to own. ...

Right now, nobody knows how serious it is with Clemens. Or even if it matters. After all, if you've seen one 6-and-6 pitcher you've seen 'em all.

Meanwhile, since the ghosts and goblins seem to have vacated the Bronx, the Yankees are now putting their faith in a squirrel:


That may not be such a good idea.