Clemens to the Rangers?

Since the Astros have cut the Rocket loose, there's much talk of Clemens landing in Arlington. I'm not so sure this is a good thing.

Oh, the guy's still got it. No doubt.

But, he's 43 years old. He's going to cost $18 million plus. He had leg and back problems last year. He's going to go to the World Baseball Classic in March. And he's not going to decide if he's going to pitch in the regular season until January at the earliest.

What I really fear is that Big Dumb Tom is going to start to crush on Roger the way he did on Gay-Rod a few years ago, and it's going to cause the Rangers to pass on other free agents and/or trades. That would be a disaster.

If the Rangers stay (hell, get) aggressive in the player-acquisition game and can get Clemens as an added piece before or during spring training, that's great. It certainly can't hurt.

But if they put other things on hold in their pursuit of Clemens, I am going to step up the "I Hate Tom Hicks" campaign in a big way.

I'm sure he's quaking in his shoes at the very thought.

Oh, and by the way - Kenny Rogers is officially an ex-Ranger again. Hallelujah. The Tigers are expecting him to be a leader for their young club. Right. Good luck and good night, Kenny, you miserable bastard.