Astros lose again: Clement to BoSox

[JunkyardDwg]

Seems like every team has made some major moves except for the 'Stros since they're waiting on Beltran. In any case, I don't think its a huge loss cause we need more bullpen help than anything else...course if Beltran signs elsewhere and Clemens subsequently retires, then we're really screwed, but what's new.

In any case, here's the full story, from ESPN. (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1948656)

ESPN.com news services

Right-hander Matt Clement and the Boston Red Sox agreed Friday to a three-year deal worth $25.5 million, ESPN's Peter Gammons has confirmed.

Clement's agent, Barry Axelrod, told MLB.com that the deal would become official once Clement has a physical and financial terms are worked out. He also said Clement chose the Red Sox over the Angels, who offered a similar deal; he said during the winter meetings that seven teams -- including the White Sox, Blue Jays, Dodgers, Diamondbacks and Indians -- were pursuing his client.


"In the end, geography may have taken a prominent place," Axelrod told MLB.com of Clement's decision. "Matt's family and his wife's family are in Pennsylvania. The thought of his dad and other family members being able to easily get to Boston to see him pitch became a big factor for him. Who wouldn't want to pitch in front of their family at Fenway Park?"


Red Sox spokesman Glenn Geffner had no comment.


Clement went 9-13 with a 3.58 ERA and 190 strikeouts in 181 innings for the Chicago Cubs last season. In seven major-league seasons with the Padres, Marlins and Cubs, Clement is 69-75 with a 4.34 ERA.

[leroy420]

Since the Astros weren't going after Clement, I don't think this is a loss. If anything, it's a decent pitcher leaving one of our rivals.

The Astros aren't going to make a move for the sake of making a move. The re-signing of Palmiero might suggest otherwise. But, they aren't going to toss a bunch of $ at someone to stem the tide until Beltran is figures out.

[JunkyardDwg]

Which is even more reason for the Beltran situation to get figured out sooner than later.

[Manny Ramirez]

Seven teams had given Clement offers and the Astros weren't one of them. So, like leroy said, I don't see how this is a loss for the Astros. That is the same as me saying it was a loss that the Red Sox didn't sign Adrian Beltre, if you see what I am saying (not being smart but just using an analogy).

[No Worries]

A a three-year $25.5 million loss.

[JunkyardDwg]

Originally posted by Manny Ramirez
Seven teams had given Clement offers and the Astros weren't one of them. So, like leroy said, I don't see how this is a loss for the Astros. That is the same as me saying it was a loss that the Red Sox didn't sign Adrian Beltre, if you see what I am saying (not being smart but just using an analogy).

I get wat ya mean... I think our starting rotation is fairly set anyways... but I think, looking at the overall picture, i'm just gettin more and more antsy with each passing day and w/ more and more players getting signed, while the Astros are stuck in limbo more or less.

[bottlerocket]

Originally posted by No Worries
A a three-year $25.5 million loss.

BoSox over paid.

[stubbyc]

Originally posted by bottlerocket
BoSox over paid.

In this market that actually seems like one hell of a deal. I don't know why we'd be interested in Clement in the first place so I don't get how we "lost again".

[JunkyardDwg]

Ok so it wasn't the best thread title in the world, so sue me :p

My point was that another FA is off the market...while the Astros weren't interested in him...would they have been had the Beltran situation been cleared up. Cause if Beltran goes, most likely Clemens is gone too...and then we have a hole in the rotation... and who will fill it? Duckworth, give Redding another shot, Hernandez? One by one, our pitching options decrease should Clemens retire. But here's hoping he wont.

[lalala902102001]

Well, Clement's got some wicked stuff when he's on, but he's very inconsistent. I don't think that the Astros "lost" anything here. Actually we may have gained something because a divisional rival has lost a good pitcher.

[Roc Paint]

Clement sucks!

[Nick]

Clement is a rich-man's Tim Redding. Great stuff, displays flashes every game.... but ultimately allows big innings, and prolonged slumps because of his mental weakness and lack of killer instincts.

Dusty Baker had Glendon Rusch and Greg Maddux over him in the rotation, at one point.

He's still young enough to turn it around, but no way I want the Astros to put this kind of money into that investment. The Red Sox can afford that.

[leroy420]

Originally posted by Nick
Clement is a rich-man's Tim Redding.

Hey...that's not a nice thing to say about Matt Clement. The only pitcher Tim Redding should be compared to is Chris Holt.

[KaiSeR SoZe]

Being one who rarely follows baseball until maybe last season..what the hell is up with all the similar names?!

I thought Beltre for a second was Beltran and I though Clement was Clements;)

[Lil Francis]

Im glad he went to the A.L. because I use to hate to see him on the mound against the Astros.

[travfrancis]

i am personally putting this one down in the W column

not only did we have no interest in clement but he is leaving our rival's team

[arkoe]

Originally posted by Lil Francis
Im glad he went to the A.L. because I use to hate to see him on the mound against the Astros.

Think positive. We want to play the BoSox...

[leroy420]

Originally posted by KaiSeR SoZe
Being one who rarely follows baseball until maybe last season..what the hell is up with all the similar names?!

I thought Beltre for a second was Beltran and I though Clement was Clements;)

Who is Clements?

[Stack24]

Originally posted by leroy420
Who is Clements?

A high school in Sugar Land

[KaiSeR SoZe]

LOL I mean Clemens!!:D

[bobrek]

Originally posted by Lil Francis
Im glad he went to the A.L. because I use to hate to see him on the mound against the Astros.

2004 - Clement 0-2 with a 5.17 ERA against the Astros.

[Lil Francis]

Originally posted by bobrek
2004 - Clement 0-2 with a 5.17 ERA against the Astros. Im still glad he is not in a Cubs uniform.