Whither Clemens?

With reports out of Boston that the Red Sox are making a pitch for the Rocket, suddenly everyone is asking where will Roger Clemens pitch in 2006? Here are the odds on where he'd pitch in 2006 from back in early January (note this prop bet is no longer available):

Retired - odds 9/5 - I don't see that happening. Roger will give it at least one more shot. He'll get his $15-25 million and if he breaks down during the season - he'll still be cashing some pretty big checks.

Houston Astros - odds 7/2 - this seems the most likely scenario. Right now the Astros are about $12 million below their 2005 payroll and that doesn't count the money they would save if Jeff Bagwell is not able to play (I think they get back about $15 million from the insurance company if Bagwell's shoulder is shot). Factor in the fact that this could be the last year for the Astros to have a big 3 pitching combo of Clemens, Andy Pettitte (Clemens best friend in baseball) and Roy Oswalt and it looks likely that the Astros will pony up or match any offer to keep Clemens for one more run at a World Series. You also have to factor in the effect Clemens has on attendance for the Astros. I haven't even mentioned that Clemens' son will be in the Astros farm system and the possibility exist for him to catch Clemens in spring training.

New York Yankees - odds 3/1 - Roger Clemens theme song should be the J. Geils Band's First I Look at the Purse. Its only money and Roger always liked playing for the Yankees and it has be recognized that the Yankees could use a starter. I personally think this is Clemens Plan B.

Boston Red Sox - odds 2/1 - the Red Sox are wooing Clemens and it makes sense historically. If Clemens comes back - he's almost guaranteed to break the tie with Cy Young for 192 career wins for the Red Sox. This would also pave the way for Clemens to get his number 21 retired by Boston. It is entirely possible that Clemens is a first ballot Hall of Famer who doesn't get his number retired by any team and I bet this thought bothers Roger to a degree. Of course the Red Sox would still have to pay Clemens between $18-21 million for him to consider a return. To me that would be money well spent (especially if they jettison Matt Clement's contract in the process).

Texas Rangers 5/1 - Signing Clemens would greatly increase revenues for the Rangers but the same is true for the Astros and Clemens home is in Houston. I'd guess that the Astros would match any offer from the Rangers.

Other MLB team - odds 5/1 - I doubt this happens but hey who saw Roger signing with Toronto?