Clemens Not Looking Ready
Roger Clemens wasn’t looking up to his Hall of Fame status pitching in his second minor league with the Trenton Thunder. The stadium was alive with anticipation before the game as Clemens was the biggest star the Thunder had seen in some time. The crowd was sold out with 9,134 seats sold out.
By the time the game was over Clemens had thrown 102 pitches in 5 1/3 innings. He was in trouble repeatedly throughout the evening. Clemens’ fastball hit between 88 - 91 miles per hour according to the radar gun. Against the Portland Sea Dogs he struck out five, walked four, hit one batter, threw one wild pitch and allowed four extra-base hits.
After the game, however, in talking with the media, Clemens declared that he was happy with his performance. He said he felt that his legs were strong and that his wind was fine. He also stated he had reduced the normally grueling workout routine a few days before the game and was feeling much better after giving his body a chance to rest.
The big question is, of course, will Clemens be able to pitch for the New York Yankees? He has signed an $18 million dollar deal with the struggling team. Rumors had been circulating that he might start with the Yanks against Toronto on Monday or Tuesday.
“That’s something that the watchful eyes who were here will help decide,” said Clemens. “All I can do is tell them how I felt and how I feel tomorrow, and we’ll go from there. I’ll be as honest as I can.”
Date: May 24, 2007
Article: Clemens rather ordinary in second tuneup start
Reference: ESPN
Reference: Major League Baseball
Reference: The Trenton Thunder