Clemens is What He Is

Scoop Jackson posted an article on ESPN.com today maligning (i) Roger Clemens as the most selfish player in sports and (ii) the media for not writing about it. Mr. Jackson isn't completely in the wrong here, but I think he's missing the point. Clemens is not sitting out on an existing contract. He is not attempting to renegotiate an existing agreement. He is not even prolonging negotiations.

Say what you will about what has become the Annual Clemens Sweepstakes, the facts are as follows:

1. Roger Clemens has made the decision that he does not want to play a full season of baseball anymore;

2. Roger Clemens remains, inning-for-inning, one of the best pitchers in baseball, regardless of age or games started per season;

3. Houston, Boston and New York have known since October 2006 that they may or may not end up Clemens come May 2007.

The reason the media isn't up in arms about these facts is there is no story to write. There is nothing unfair about the way Clemenstock '07 played out. All three teams knew they had a shot, and each team knew there were compelling draws in each of the other two cities. All three teams had a better opportunity to prepare for losing Clemens than the A's, Mariners and Cardinals had to prepare for losing Harden, King Felix and Carpenter, respectively.

Has Clemens become the "most selfish" player in baseball (and maybe professional sports)? Of course not. Is it selfish to set the terms for your performance in any workplace? Is it different than me going into the boss's office and saying (?):

"I want to spend more time with my family. I still enjoy my work, but at this stage in my life I'd like to only work two days a week. If you are still interested in employing me, we can talk. If not, I am happy to retire."

The answer is no. If the company views me as one of its best workers, and is willing to make this accommodation, why would I feel bad for those who continue to work a full schedule? The marketplace will decide the employees worth. For Clemens, he is still valuable enough (at least to three teams) that the potential of four months of play is enough to justify the salary and the risk that he heads elsewhere.

The reason the media is not calling out Houston, New York, Boston and Clemens, is there is no story here. Everyone seems to understand that Clemens has set his terms and three teams were willing to meet those terms. Everyone, that is, except for Scoop Jackson.