Stark’s Latest: Clemens, Pettitte, Lowell

Jayson Stark has a new Rumblings and Grumblings column up at ESPN.  Let’s discuss.

• Most folks think Roger Clemens will retire after the season.  The "will he, won’t he" storyline is one I won’t mind avoiding this winter.  Remember, back in February Roger said he told his son it was "80-20 that I wasn’t going to play." He also said, "I’m not leaving anybody hanging. I don’t want to play."  Good riddance.
• Andy Pettitte has a $16MM player option for 2008.  This is similar to an out clause, where it’s win-win for the player.  He only exercises it if he couldn’t get it on the open market.  Pettitte’s the best free agent starting pitcher if he opts out.  Stark seems to think he’d decline the option but then just re-up with the Yankees for more money and/or years.
• Word is that Mike Lowell would enjoy playing for the Phillies if the Red Sox don’t re-sign him.  Gordon Edes isn’t sure if the Red Sox would offer him three years, and believes another team might go four.  A four-year deal would cover his age 34-37 seasons…probably a bad move.  Then again, what do I know?  I thought he was toast after 2005.