It was tough but Boston got a win in Oakland. I don't for the life of me understand how the Red Sox could have lost the first game, but that, as they say, is water under the bridge.

Now the team is back on track. And as usual it is pitching that has kept them from imploding. Lately it is not the starters, it's the bullpen.

Last night Matt Mantei, Alan Embree, Mike Timlin and Keith Foulke all did the job. Although Mantei did struggle.

Still Embree got the victory and Foulke recorded his 10th save of the year.

If this team can put it all together, the rest of the league will be in trouble. The time is coming soon, I trust.

Wade Miller is back; Boston's official site says David Wells returns to the rotation today; and my guess is that Schilling will not return until mid-June, just a guess. But it's still all good news.

Bronson Arroyo has pitched exceptionally well. In fact, the Boston Herald's Tony Massarotti thinks its time to lock him up to a long-term deal. Matt Clement has been pretty darn good until Tuesday. So I'm not worried about our pitching staff. Although I can't stand Wells. The replacements have and continue to do a good job.

So why all the talk about Roger Clemens coming to Boston?

By now most of you have read Dan Shaughnessey's column, or at least have heard the suggestion.

And if you ask Mike Lupica of the New York Daily News, the Yankees will make a bid for him as well.

His newspaper reports that the rumors are flying.

MSNBC is jumping into the fold as well. Mike Celizic has written about the possibilities. Although he's smart enough to say he doesn't know anything. He does however suggest that the best move for all involved would be for Clemens to return to Boston.

I too am not among the elite, close friends and family of "The Rocket", so all my words are speculative at best.

I would love to see Clemens back in a Red Sox uniform. I hated him leaving. I hated Dan Duquette for letting him go (although I am one of the few which recognize Duquette's other acquisitions and have respect for the man). I hated all the infighting. I hated the fact that Clemens appeared to be lying when he said he wanted to play for a contender and went to the weak Toronto Blue Jays for some trillions of dollars. Then to snub Dan Duquette went on to earn two back-to-back Cy Youngs.

After the second award-ceremony he went to New York for even more money and more fame. I hated seeing him in pinstripes. It hurt everytime he pitched against Boston. Everytime - whether the Red Sox lost or won - it hurt.

I was excited to see him retire. I was happy to see Boston fans giving him a standing ovation for what was thought to be his last time playing on the grass of Fenway. Finally the Boston fans were showing respect. I got goosebumps at the sight.

I've always had respect for Roger Clemens. He has won a Cy Young Award with every team he has played for. And he is well on his way to his eighth. Count them eight! Absolutely amazing!

My guess is that he would like to finish his career in the top 5 of the all-time wins category. It will be a feat, meaning two years of 18 wins or more. This year, Houston can't deliver those wins.

There are a number of teams that can. One being right down I-95 in Boston.

There would be no better story. No better way to end a career.

New York has nothing to give for the perenial All Star. The Yankees' farm system has been depleted by countless trades to get some hired guns over the years.

Boston has revamped its farm system in record time. They have players to burn. Boston also has managed its money pretty well, considering, and could afford to pay the remainder of this year's contract.

But...I do not think Theo would mortgage the future for a good story. I don't think he'd pay $12-million for a half-year of work. I don't think he would give up Hanley Ramirez, Pedroia or any of the rest.

It's too much.

Clemens currently doesn't have to travel with the team. Unless he is pitching, he doesn't have to go to the clubhouse. This situation has reduced his stress level and has given him the opportunity to spend more time with his children.

That is all well and good in Houston. In Boston, there will be no special treatment. We learned that as we waved good-bye to Pedro and Nomar.

There is no one player better than the team. If the Red Sox can not win as a team, they do not deserve to win. 'Nuff said.

Reader comments: Do you think the Red Sox should go out of their way to acquire Clemens services?

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