• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

South Africa to face Rocket attack

Posted on: Thursday, 9 March 2006, 20:08 CST

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."

Source: REUTERS

More News in this Category