Just days after the World Baseball Classic’s credibility took a line drive to the shins with Barry Bonds bowing out, signs are favorable that future Hall of Famer Roger Clemens will play.
Team USA manager Buck Martinez said Wednesday he received a recent, encouraging voice mail from Clemens.
“I heard from Roger on Monday,” Martinez said in an interview with The Denver Post. “He was optimistic and upbeat, and said he’s been throwing. We will have a conversation in a few days to see where he’s at. All indications are that his program is on track.”
Clemens has been one of the most passionate supporters of the WBC, but stressed he would participate only if he remained a power pitcher, not a sentimental choice. Clemens’ inclusion would take the sting off the phalanx of pitchers who have declined Team USA invitations, including John Smoltz, B.J. Ryan, Mark Buehrle and Randy Johnson.
Clemens’ performance in the WBC could influence his decision on whether to return for a 23rd season. The Houston Astros and Texas Rangers are pursuing him.
While the WBC has dominated sports discussions in Latin America and Japan, there has been little buzz in the United States. Fidel Castro announced Wednesday that Cuba would play in the WBC.
Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira and New York Yankees center fielder Johnny Damon expressed their enthusiasm for the event in a Wednesday conference call.
Teixeira left no doubt about who he thought should be the top seed. “You can’t go wrong going with the United States and picking us as the favorites,” Teixeira said. “On my end, as an American, I want to win this more than anybody.”
Martinez shed light on the event’s pitching restrictions. Pitch limitations for starters will be 50 for the first round, 65 for the second round and 90 for third round, which could lead to the team carrying more relievers, such as the Rockies’ Brian Fuentes.
Footnote
While the Rockies remain interested in utilitymen Royce Clayton and Ramon Martinez and reliever Brian Meadows, they signed pitcher Miguel Ascencio to a minor-league deal, pending a physical. They also invited several top prospects to spring training, including infielders Ian Stewart and Troy Tulowitzki.
Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-820-5447 or trenck@denverpost.com.
