Roger Clemens

With Clemens’ victory over Detroit, he now leads the league in victories, with nine. And since July 2 of last season, when he was activated from the disabled list, Clemens is 18-3. I can’t stand Mr.-Texas-vs.-Oklahoma-Every-Fifth-Day, but there’s no denying he’s getting the job done. In a season where the blueprints for a dream rotation are all but crumpled in the corner waste basket, Clemens is the difference between the current Yankee model and a .500 ballclub. He’s gutted out a fair number of wins—three of his nine victories and seven of his 14 starts don’t qualify as Quality Starts (three or fewer runs in six or more innings).

The ability to win without one’s best stuff is the mark of a great pitcher. Clemens, much as I dislike him, is pitching like one. He’s the winningest pitcher on my favorite team, and on my first-place ESPN Fantasy League team. (Sigh) I guess I’m going to have to learn to live with him.