Seriously, who really thought this was going to happen? Clemens selected NL's Pitcher of the Month By JOSE DE JESUS ORTIZ Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle Future Hall of Famer Roger Clemens, who became the first Astro to win five games in April, was named the National League's Pitcher of the Month. A six-time Cy Young Award winner who was the American League Pitcher of the Month on 14 occasions over 20 years, Clemens has started his 21st season with the NL Pitcher of the Month honor in his first month with his hometown Astros. Clemens, 41, went 5-0 in April with a 1.95 ERA, allowing seven earned runs over 32 1/3 innings in his five starts. "It means I had a lot of help," said Clemens, who led the majors in victories and was tied for fourth in the NL with his 1.95 ERA heading into Monday. "It means (with) the success I had on the field, you've always got to look a little past what you're doing. We had a great defense. "Obviously, we hit the ball. There were some games we were able to hold it close, and the guys broke it open late, which is what you hope to happen, because then the other pitcher caves in first." Clemens had 32 strikeouts and allowed 21 hits and 14 walks in April. "My thinking is that when you're dealing with extraordinary talents, nothing ever surprises me," Astros general manager Gerry Hunsicker said. Clemens' next start is Wednesday night at home against the Pirates. With five strikeouts, he will tie Steve Carlton (4,136) for second on the all-time list. "The unnoticed thing is that other than (Octavio Dotel) being our closer ... we have some late-inning guys there that have really shined and made me look good," said Clemens, who last won Pitcher of the Month when he was 6-0 with a 2.38 ERA with the Yankees in June 2001. "They hung on in a couple of games where I left some men on base."
I can honestly say I did. He knows what he has to do to perform at a very high level in the Major Leagues. I hope Oswalt and Miller are learning from him.
I didn't. I thought he'd be good, but I figured his ERA would look a lot like it did last year. He's already pitched his game in Colorado, and it's still where it is. Having said that...we may be seeing what we saw with the Big Unit in 98...a dominant power pitcher from another league comes in and just mows down the league that's really never seen him outside of World Series and All Star Game appearances.
I thought Roger would come in, have a record somewhere around 14-13 with an ERA right around 4. I guess it just goes to show don't ever underestimate the guy
I was expecting 15 wins mid to upper 3's for the era. I'm amazed by the numbers he's put up. One thing I've noticed, when he's on the mound, in general, the whole team plays better. Even if he gives up a run or two, it's like the team knows he's going to take it up a notch and shut the opposition down. They stay in their comfort level and have a big offensive inning or two to put the game away.
exactly. he boosts the confidence of the entire team and you can see it in their energy level. perhaps this is also a factor into why redding gets such crappy run support.
I hate to burst the bubble here, but historically the Rocket has always been a fast starter. I expect him to level off somewhat as the season goes on.
of course roger will eventually level off but keep in mind his level is quite a bit higher than your average pitcher.
he's also historically one of the greatest pitchers to ever play the game...so i'm not sure you want to use "history" to argue AGAINST roger clemens!
saw a stat on sportscenter yesterday. Roger Clemens hasn't lost consecutive games since May of 2003. He's showing no signs of leveling off
has anyone ever won the cy young award in their last year? it would seem like that walking away would be hard thing to do, but it would Ted Williams-esque. I was hoping that Rog would win 15-20 games this year and that looks more than possible at this point.
which he did in 1986, the year he went 14-0 , the year he won his first Cy-Young Award, and the year he went to the World Series. '04 is a magic year for Clemens , I can feel it.
Sadly, in this case, it's only appropriate. Because if Clemens didn't level off - he'd have his greatest season in his glorious career at the age of 41. You never know - but unlikely.
your glass is so half empty!! you need to get out of law school, already!! of course he's not going to win every start...of course his era won't be under 2 this season. but there's no reason to believe this guy won't win over 20 games this season. geez, he's at 7 now and we're still in early May.
