By Joe Becker

Roger Clemens is scheduled to make his big league comeback Monday when he throws against the Chicago White Sox in Chicago.

The Yankees are 13 and a half games behind Boston in the A.L. East Division and are tied with Tamp Bay for last place.

Clemens has a one year contract at 28 million dollars. I say good for Roger. Make that great for Roger. If anyone deserves the cash and the perks...it's Clemens. He is a 7-time Cy Young Award winner.

Many times you hear fans and so called experts rip on players for hanging on too long...or coming back late in their careers. If a player can get millions for another season...or big boxing match...then why not?

It happens with boxers. One thing people need to remember is that most of the fighters have grown up boxing. That's what they do...and usually they love it.

For Clemens, baseball has been a job for 20 plus seasons. Sure, he loves the game, but talk with any big league player or minor leaguer, and they will tell you. Much of the time...playing baseball is a job....but a job they usually love. If someone will pay them big bucks...then why not.

I know Mickey Mantle regretted hanging on so long that his lifetime average dipped below 300 to .298. And, who knows what Muhammad Ali's health situation would have been if he had not fought the past few years. But, these great athletes loved the game and the competition and they were paid well to do it...even late in their careers.

Yes, the Rocket is set to take off, full of money.