Touch 'Em All: Clemens' comeback try gets TV boost

When it comes to profiting from a freak show, baseball and television are as guilty as any other entities, which explains the latest hubbub over Roger Clemens.

Fresh from surviving a federal trial in connection with his alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs, the 50-year-old fireballer is trying to revive his career, and he's getting a lot of help along the way.

First among the acolytes is Astros owner Jim Crane. After news broke about Clemens' signing with the Sugar Land (Texas) Skeeters, Crane at first gushed about the Rocket possibly rejoining the Astros. Then he assured all that it would not be a stunt to drive attendance.

Crane can be forgiven. His Astros have been shedding players and fans all season, recently dumped their manager, and hold the worst record in the majors.

But what excuse does ESPN have for pandering to the spectacle?

The network televised Clemens' Skeeters debut Saturday night on ESPN3 and ESPN Classic. The Skeeters, who compete in the Atlantic League, played the Bridgeport Bluefish. It was Rotary night at Constellation Field.

For his part, Clemens was bashful about the whole thing.

"I'm nowhere close to being ready for major-league baseball," Clemens told SI.com. "I'm been running and working out, but there's a big difference between that and getting ready to pitch in a big-league game. . . . I have retired and unretired a number of times, so I know what it takes."

For the record, in 31/3 innings against the Bluefish, the Rocket gave up one hit and no runs, and struck out two.

Rest assured, even if his other outings are just so-so, he's in line for a contract with his hometown Astros.

By the way, the Camden Riversharks are also in the Atlantic League. They will host the Skeeters for a three-game series beginning Friday.

Righthander Ben Sheets' improbable comeback story was put on hold Saturday after the Braves placed him on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder inflammation. Sheets, 34, who is coming off a two-year retirement, was confident about being able to return.

"I can pitch at this level," said Sheets, who was 4-4 with a 3.54 ERA in eight starts. "I've dealt with it my whole life."

Angels slugger Albert Pujols, who hasn't played since Wednesday because of an injured right calf, was again out of the lineup Saturday against the Tigers, and indications were that he wouldn't start on Sunday, either.

The Angels desperately need Pujols - who is hitting .283 with 28 home runs and 86 RBIs in 121 games - in the lineup for a chance to catch the AL West-leading Rangers.