Post by bstros on Apr 16, 2007 11:44:12 GMT -5
Clemens lends a hand with batting practice
PITCHER SAYS HE'S NOT SURE ABOUT HIS OWN FUTURE IN MAJORS
By Mark Maloney
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER
Batting practice at Applebee's Park yesterday saw Koby Clemens matched up against a familiar pitcher.
His dad.
Seven-time Cy Young Award-winner Roger Clemens threw to two groups of Lexington Legends hitters before their game against the Hagerstown Suns.
Dad did not "brush back" son, Lexington's third baseman, as has happened a time or two before. But outfielder Drew Holder had to stay on his toes to avoid being hit while attempting to bunt against the 44-year-old right-hander.
Said a smiling Holder: "He said, 'I'm sorry. I'm just used to it.' Like he does it to everybody."
What "Rocket" does to everybody he meets in the South Atlantic League is give time and encouragement.
"I enjoy doing it," said Clemens, who pitched out of a stretch. "Like I've told everybody, it's supposed to be good for my health and heart. I'd rather have a glass of red wine. That's probably a lot easier than two rounds, 30 minutes, of BP.
"I just enjoy watching these kids, watching them swing and chasing their dreams. That's the only reason why I'm doing it right now."
Several Legends tried to learn whether Clemens will make a mid-season comeback, as he did last year with the Legends.
"It's pretty funny. Some of these younger guys ... they wanted to pick me on their fantasy team," Clemens said. "And I said, 'Well, don't do it just yet.' We were having some fun with them."
Clemens says that even he doesn't know the answer about his future.
"There's days where I have aches and pains, where I don't think I can do it," he said. "And then there's other days where I feel really good, and I might want to take on that challenge. But I haven't heard (directly) from any clubs yet. Randy Hendricks (his agent) will stay on top of that."
If Clemens does play again, only a few teams will get a shot at him.
"There's only the three clubs," he said. "This organization (Houston), being home's been a joy. And Boston and New York (Yankees). Those are the only three teams."
The Rocket says he will "bounce in and out of town like I did last year," and hopes to travel to Houston's other minor-league affiliates by May or June.
Holder had not faced Clemens until yesterday.
"You catch your nerves. You start to muscle up. 'Ooh, this is Roger Clemens. I've got to muscle up and get bigger,' " Holder said. "He told us after, 'Hey, guys, you've got to just use your hands, even with me. You can't muscle up with anybody.' "
Holder also came away with a souvenir or sorts.
"He actually broke one of my bats. I haven't told him yet, but a fastball high and in. He sawed me up."
Ralphie Henriquez, who has hit against Clemens before, didn't get the chance yesterday. He was in the cage, crouched behind the plate to receive pitches.
"It was a long 30 minutes right there," Henriquez said. "He (said he) kind of liked what he saw -- staying down and just try to be quiet back there; less movement. ... It was a little different. You don't have that every day."
PITCHER SAYS HE'S NOT SURE ABOUT HIS OWN FUTURE IN MAJORS
By Mark Maloney
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER
Batting practice at Applebee's Park yesterday saw Koby Clemens matched up against a familiar pitcher.
His dad.
Seven-time Cy Young Award-winner Roger Clemens threw to two groups of Lexington Legends hitters before their game against the Hagerstown Suns.
Dad did not "brush back" son, Lexington's third baseman, as has happened a time or two before. But outfielder Drew Holder had to stay on his toes to avoid being hit while attempting to bunt against the 44-year-old right-hander.
Said a smiling Holder: "He said, 'I'm sorry. I'm just used to it.' Like he does it to everybody."
What "Rocket" does to everybody he meets in the South Atlantic League is give time and encouragement.
"I enjoy doing it," said Clemens, who pitched out of a stretch. "Like I've told everybody, it's supposed to be good for my health and heart. I'd rather have a glass of red wine. That's probably a lot easier than two rounds, 30 minutes, of BP.
"I just enjoy watching these kids, watching them swing and chasing their dreams. That's the only reason why I'm doing it right now."
Several Legends tried to learn whether Clemens will make a mid-season comeback, as he did last year with the Legends.
"It's pretty funny. Some of these younger guys ... they wanted to pick me on their fantasy team," Clemens said. "And I said, 'Well, don't do it just yet.' We were having some fun with them."
Clemens says that even he doesn't know the answer about his future.
"There's days where I have aches and pains, where I don't think I can do it," he said. "And then there's other days where I feel really good, and I might want to take on that challenge. But I haven't heard (directly) from any clubs yet. Randy Hendricks (his agent) will stay on top of that."
If Clemens does play again, only a few teams will get a shot at him.
"There's only the three clubs," he said. "This organization (Houston), being home's been a joy. And Boston and New York (Yankees). Those are the only three teams."
The Rocket says he will "bounce in and out of town like I did last year," and hopes to travel to Houston's other minor-league affiliates by May or June.
Holder had not faced Clemens until yesterday.
"You catch your nerves. You start to muscle up. 'Ooh, this is Roger Clemens. I've got to muscle up and get bigger,' " Holder said. "He told us after, 'Hey, guys, you've got to just use your hands, even with me. You can't muscle up with anybody.' "
Holder also came away with a souvenir or sorts.
"He actually broke one of my bats. I haven't told him yet, but a fastball high and in. He sawed me up."
Ralphie Henriquez, who has hit against Clemens before, didn't get the chance yesterday. He was in the cage, crouched behind the plate to receive pitches.
"It was a long 30 minutes right there," Henriquez said. "He (said he) kind of liked what he saw -- staying down and just try to be quiet back there; less movement. ... It was a little different. You don't have that every day."