Updated: Jun 21, 2006, 6:09 PM

Vote: How will Clemens' return impact the NL?


Roger Clemens
The rest of the National League is undoubtedly unexcited about the prospect of standing in against Roger Clemens' fastball for the remainder of the season, but are they worried about the Astros?

After a quick tour of the minors that became a carnival wherever he took the mound, Clemens makes his season debut in the majors against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. Despite scuffling at times and still residing around .500, the Astros remain within striking distance of the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central and right in the thick of a crowded field of wild-card contenders.

So how will Clemens' return change the landscape for both the Astros and the NL playoff picture? Will he match last season's production down the stretch? What other stars could be on the move to help NL contenders counter Houston's big addition? Sound off on the state of the NL as Clemens returns.

  • 1) With Roger Clemens in the rotation, will the Houston Astros make the playoffs?
  • 2) How many more wins would the Astros have at the moment if Clemens had made the 11 starts that went to Fernando Nieve (2-3, 4.71)?
  • 3) From June 22, 2005 through the end of last season, Clemens made 18 starts and earned eight wins. How many wins will he record this season?
  • 4) Who will be Houston's most effective starting pitcher down the stretch?
  • 5) Will the Astros make another major move before the trade deadline?
  • 6) Which team will win the NL Central?
  • 7) Which team will win the NL West?
  • 8) The New York Mets lead the NL East by 9.5 games; what will happen the rest of the way?
  • 9) Of the teams currently trailing in division races, which would you consider the wild-card favorite?
  • 10) Which player is most likely to move to an NL contender before the trade deadline?

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