"How much do you want to bet?

The usual amount.
Why not?"

It seems there are endless bets being thrown around here at G:TB, but this is one I didn't want to forget (mainly because I plan on winning it). Once Roger Clemens announced his return to the Yankees, everyone and their mother had some sort of opinion on it, including this initial comment from Rob (don't worry, we won't hold you to these stats) and my deeply insightful reply:

Rob: How about some clemens predictions from the rocket surgeons here at g:tb?

starts: 22
record: 9-7
yankees' record: 14-8
era: 3.98
innings/start: 5.8

TJ: I will happily take that.

Rob was also apparently impressed by a Seth Mnookin post regarding Roger's return, and the Rocket's chances to pitch better than Tim Wakefield for the rest of the season (Seth had Wake's back in that fight), which led to the actual bet we will be tracking:

Rob: teejay - seth mnookin postulates today that tim wakefield will have better stats at the end of the year than clemens. wanna make that interesting?

TJ: As for Wake vs. Clemens, I've already got two cases coming my way, so sure, I'll spin one into this bet. What measurables are we using?

TJ: Well, Sethie seems to be using ERA, WHIP and BAA in his argument, so it seems we should use those as well.

Rob: deal.

So there you have it: Rob vs. TJ...Red Sox vs. Yankees...Tim Wakefield vs. Roger Clemens. Correct me if I'm wrong Robert, but the bet began with Roger's first start, yes? And these are the stats we're using: ERA, WHIP, BAA? If so, the early bet stats are below (and yes, I realize until I do a bit more math, these pitching lines do not match the actual bet metrics...give me some time, I'm not Rob Neyer):

Wake:
June 12 - 8.0 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 1 ER
June 17 - 5.2 IP, 8 H, 1 BB, 5 ER

Rocket:
June 9 - 6.0 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 ER
June 15 - 6.1 IP, 7 H, 1 BB, 2 ER