With this many comebacks, I’m starting to compare Roger Clemens with some washed-up singer like Barbara Streisand. Clemens is expected to be back with the Yankees real soon, possibly by the end of the month. But before he dons the pinstripes, he’s expected to make a couple of starts with the Yankees affiliate in Tampa. Those starts will be televised on ESPN.

ESPN confirmed rumors last night that it is planning to broadcast the Rocket’s Class-A start with Tampa on Friday night, though the decision was not yet official late last night.

“We are in the process of discussions to try to showcase coverage on our entities,” said an ESPN spokesperson.

While it’d be a cool thing for some single A guys to get some exposure on the big network, TV cameras will be pretending those players don’t exist. This will be the Clemens Show, even if he throws four or five innings. Once Clemens exits the game, look for ESPN cameras to follow him to the locker room, out of the clubhouse, and into his limousine. At that point, the game will revert to a Clemens reality show entitled “Rocket Man.”

So in case you’re bored and would rather watch Clemens strike out teenagers than watch a real Major League Baseball game, you’ll be able to. Let’s hope Clemens’ son is playing for the opposition so he can throw at his head again like the good father that he is. The game will be on Friday night.