In his last season in the American League, Clemens was anything but dominant despite his 17-9 record. American League hitters batted .247 against him and right-handed hitter tuned him up with a .287 average.

He was particularly vulnerable at home, going 7-7 at Yankee Stadium with a 5.22 earned run average. Clemens, who was virtually devoid of run support the last two years in Houston, has the advantage of a powerful Yankee batting order behind him. In 2003, the Yankees provided him with 6 or more runs in 16 of his 33 starts.

If Clemens wanted another payday, he should have stayed in his rocking chair league and continued to face the NL’s seven-man lineups. He will get no rest facing the destructive power in the American League.

Clemens stole the headlines with his announcement from Steinbrenner’s box Sunday. But reality is on its way and his American League return may come on what should be a beautiful June 1 evening in Fenway Park. The sight of Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz may not be beneficial to this senior citizen’s longterm happiness.

Clemens says anything but the Yankees winning the World Series will mean that his return will have been a failure. But who is he crapping? Clemens may moan publicly when the Yankees fall short of that goal, but $4.5 million a month goes a long way.

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Actions speak louder than words. He is back for the money—and he is willing to pitch five innings every fifth or sixth day to get it.

Most of the baseball world is genuflecting toward the return of Clemens. How about calling it as it is? A full-fledged money grab by a man who should know better.