South Africa to face Rocket attack

By Steve Keating

PHOENIX (Reuters) – South Africa can expect to see the
Rocket’s red glare on Friday when Roger Clemens takes to the
mound in a suddenly crucial game for the U.S. at the World
Baseball Classic.

Even with nothing on the line, a combative Clemens might
have been expected to bring his best stuff to the contest but
with a spot in the second round at stake the Rocket made it
clear he will not be holding back against young, inexperienced
opponents.

“I’m going to pitch inside,” said the 43-year-old Clemens,
unimpressed at the suggestion he might ease up on the huge
underdogs.

“If our scouting report say that some guys can’t handle the
ball inside and you can get them out that way, of course you’d
pitch then inside.

“It’s a very neat deal, not just for me, but for those guys
in the locker room. I expect to go out there and do what I do.”

The David and Goliath matchup of the 16-nation tournament
will pit a South African team of amateurs against a $151
million American line-up, led by future Hall of Famer Clemens
and a New York Yankees Murders Row of Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon
and reigning American league Most Valuable Player Alex
Rodriguez.

The South Africans could have expected a little mercy from
the U.S. powerhouse but after a shock loss to Canada and a
place in the second round at stake the Americans will show
little leniency against a team that has played opponents
surprisingly tough.

MOTIVATED CLEMENS

A motivated Clemens, who had already won two of his seven
Cy Young awards before some of the South African hitters he
might face on Friday were born, will be making what could be
the final competitive appearance of his Hall of Fame career.

While the hard-throwing righthander is being courted by at
least four teams (New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Houston
Astros and Texas Rangers), he has yet to decide if he will
return for a 23rd major league season.

“It’s been more difficult than I expected it to be because
I do love to compete,” said Clemens. “You sit down, you have a
talk with the different clubs and what they need and they feel
they need you. I appreciate that they still feel I can compete.

“But, you know, I don’t see myself starting this season
unless something really, really kicks to where I get that edge.
I’m just trying to fade away a little bit.”

It is more likely, however, that Clemens will exit with a
bang.

Despite their lack of experience, South Africa could
provide Clemens with a worthy challenge.

What the South Africans (0-2) lacked in talent they have
more than made up for in gritty, determined effort,
particularly in their tournament opener when they forced Canada
to rally for four runs in the ninth to squeak out an 11-8 win.

“They (South Africa) put up some runs last night from what
I understand,” said Clemens. “For me it just comes down to
making sure my body is healthy and I can go out there and
execute and make some good pitches.”