Bring on opening day

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Am I the only one who is ready for spring training to end and opening day to arrive? March is a time for pitchers to work on their stamina and mechanics, and experiment with new pitches (like Curt Schilling and his change-up, and Tim Wakefield and his curveball); players to adjust to new roles (Joel Pineiro as a reliever, Papelbon as a starter, and Dustin Pedroia as the starting second baseman) and hitters to perfect their stance and timing. As a fan, the games are exciting in early March, when the return of baseball is marked, but then by the middle of the month we grow weary of obscure minor leaguers sharing the same field with players on the big league roster.

True, the Sox closer situation is not resolved. Terry Francona is not even certain where he will slot each reliever in the bullpen. Also, many of the Sox regulars have frightening batting averages, yet everything seems to adjust to normal when the regular season begins. It's payback time, starting opening day, when the Sox travel to Kansas City for a three-game set. Boston was embarrassed by Kansas City and Tampa Bay in 2006. When you are a World Series caliber team, you expect to win each regular season series against  subpar teams (taking 2 out of 3), and you aim to win more than you lose against top echelon foes. It would be encouraging if the Sox opened with at least two wins against the Royals.

The Rocket pontificates

Roger Clemens appeared at the MLB Fan Fest at Universal Orlando this weekend, telling fans that he will not decide if he will return until May. He expressed his displeasure about how his contract with the Houston Astros was purported to be a luxury-type deal with unique concessions. He also talked about the perks of each team that desires his services. Returning to Yankees pinstripes would allow him to reunite with good friend Andy Pettitte. In Houston, he can be near his family. In Boston, he can pal around with the Kennedys.

"My biggest idol growing up was John F. Kennedy, and when I was there, I was lucky enough to meet the family and become friends with them," Clemens told MLB.com. "That's another thing about Boston. When I'm there, I can visit their family, which is a pretty cool thing."

I prefer Boston's rotation as it stands. Schilling, Beckett, Papelbon, Matsuzaka and Wakefield form one of the best rotations in baseball. Jon Lester will likely contribute as well. I would only want Clemens in Boston if one of the starters suffers a prolonged injury. And if a starter does land on the DL, there are better trade options available than signing Clemens. The Rocket will always be a beloved part of Red Sox history, and Dan Duquette was clearly wrong when he thought Clemens was in the twilight of his career. That was then, and this is now.

Clemens is not worth $20 million-plus for just a half-season. I know, I know - it's not my money - but he is still not worth the investment. He remains a productive pitcher, posting a 2.30 ERA in 113.1 innings, and allowing just 89 hits last season with Houston. Is he a difference maker? That remains to be seen. He could be in New York, where the Yankees will be desperately searching for help once the season begins and Kei Igawa and Carl Pavano occupy the back end of the rotation. The Sox best reason for signing Clemens is to keep him away from the Yankees. Of course, he could sign with Houston, which is my preference. I would rather not see him in Boston or New York. Your thoughts?