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Big night in Tampa

TAMPA - While the Subway Series is big news in New York, Roger Clemens's first minor league start against the Fort Myers Miracle here at Legends Field is sold out.

Clemens is expected to arrive between 4-5 p.m. and go through his normal pregame routine. He'll throw between 45-60 pitches and then pitch about another three innings in the bullpen.

Clemens will then go through more workouts. He's not scheduled to address the media until he's through with the workouts, which might coincide with the end of Tampa-Fort Myers Florida State League tilt.

Clemens will surely be asked about Kyle Farnsworth's comments that Clemens's right to come and go as he pleases "might cause some friction." Farnsworth made the comments on a Chicago radio station even after Clemens had his "family plan" approved by several key veterans in the Yankees clubhouse before signing with the team.

It's kind of a humid day. Thick air. Mostly cloudy, though there have been some episodes of sunlight.

According to Yankees public relations man Ben Tuliebitz, about 100 media members are credentialed for the event.

Some members of the Class-A Yankees are currently stretching in the outfield. The Fort Myers Miracle are the Twins' Class-A affiliate. Clemens is then scheduled to pitch against the Portland Sea Dogs in Trenton next Wednesday. That could be his final minor league start. There's some talk about a May 28 or 29 start in Toronto prior to the June 1-3 series against the Red Sox at Fenway.

Clemens might be joining a team that's completely in chaos.