As if the New York Yankees aren't already good enough, now there's a chance the World Series champions could be adding Roger Clemens.
The five-time Cy Young Award winner shook up baseball's frenzied marketplace Wednesday, telling the Toronto Blue Jays to trade him to a contender or closer to home."Who wouldn't have an interest in Clemens?" Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "I'm sure Toronto will have many discussions with us before this is over with."
Meanwhile, more big money went to free agents, with third baseman Robin Ventura finalizing his $32 million, four-year contract with the New York Mets and Henry Rodriguez returning to the Chicago Cubs for an $8.9 million, two-year deal.
Even Carlos Hernandez struck it rich. After just one season as a starter, the catcher worked out a $6.5 million, three-year contract to stay with the San Diego Padres.
Also Wednesday, Kevin Brown, the top free agent pitcher left, met with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Mets are talking about adding another star, negotiating to sign career steals leader Rickey Henderson.
Clemens' decision to leave Toronto was the biggest news. When he signed with the Blue Jays in December 1996, team president Paul Beeston said if Clemens didn't think Toronto would contend and asked for a trade, the Blue Jays would deal him.
Beeston left the Blue Jays during the 1997 season to become baseball's chief operating officer, and Clemens went on to win consecutive Cy Young awards, becoming the only five-time winner.
Toronto general manager Gord Ash said he will honor Beeston's commitment.
"This is certainly not done with any acrimony or with any anger on either side," Ash said, adding the team will make every effort to complete a deal within 10 days.
The Yankees, Houston Astros and Texas Rangers are considered the top contenders to land the 36-year-old right-hander, 20-6 with a 2.65 ERA and 271 strikeouts in 234 2/3 innings last season. He went unbeaten in his final 22 starts, winning 15 decisions after starting 5-6.
Clemens is signed for 1999 at $8 million and 2000 at $8.1 million. The Blue Jays were 88-74 last season, finishing four games behind Boston in the wild-card race and 26 games behind New York, which went 114-48, setting an AL record for wins.