On Sunday, the Houston Astros eliminated the Atlanta Braves with an amazing 7–6 victory in 18 innings. The result was not surprising, given the pitchers who ended the game. Here is a comparison of the Astros’ Roger Clemens and the Braves’ Joey Devine.
Clemens: Drafted in the first round by Boston in 1983
Devine: Born in 1983
Clemens: Has won 341 regular-season games in the major leagues
Devine: Has won 0 regular-season games in the major leagues
Clemens: Possesses nickname “The Rocket”
Devine: Possesses name you’d expect from a strip club owner
Clemens: Allowed second career grand slam in 17th major league season
Devine: Allowed second career grand slam in second major league appearance
Clemens: Earned $18 million this season
Devine: Earned free buffalo wings on last visit to Hooters
Clemens: Experienced great misery – watching Red Sox collapse in the 1986 World Series
Devine: Experienced great misery – attending NC State
Clemens: Has won 7 Cy Young Awards
Devine: Sometimes sighs, and is young
Better days may lie ahead for Devine. Clemens himself had to rebound from a postseason-ending loss in 2004. Perhaps like the Rocket, the young Brave will respond in impressive fashion next season. I just wouldn’t count on getting $18 million.
