Roger Clemens Guys Quotations

But I got a guy on third, I was in a jam the other day in a game, all those situations, when you need a strikeout there, in big spots. But we are very aware of that fact, that these guys put the ball in play.

I was able to beat a few guys in the zone and they (fly balls) stayed in the ballpark,

I was just sitting back and letting him enjoy it over there, ... I mean, what else can you do? It was a very hittable pitch. Guys on this level, whether they're 21 or 41, are going to hit that. And he took advantage of it. I've given up some home runs, I'm sure, in my career. But it was probably pretty exciting for that kid.

Some of the biggest cheers after the game were for our USC guys when they beat Notre Dame, ... That's the way this team is. I'm in there trying to shake hands, and they don't even know I'm there. The eyes are all glued to the TV.

I'm happy for all these kids, ... Just like I told our guys, the other guys in the clubhouse, hopefully it won't be for a few more weeks, but when I do look back on these years here, it's been a privilege to play with these professionals.

I was pitching 100% at this time of year regardless. It was my job after the guys came out and put the numbers on the board -- threw strikes, not walk anybody, get them back in and swinging the bat a little bit.

When Phil turned to me and said, 'Get your jersey and spikes on,' I knew he was dead serious. So we got to it, and I had to pick my spot to get out there in the bullpen. I don't really relish what those guys have to go through.

There are a few guys (on the Mexican team) that we do know, that I'm able to recognize and realize what they can and can't do. But as it goes on now, we're able to get a little more film. I'll look over what Jake did, and some of our other right-handers, and then I'll make my assessment from there.

When you leave a ball in the middle, the guys hit it. That's just the way it is. There's nothing different than the postseason or regular season - get ahead, expand the strike zone and move people around, same thing that you do all year.

Teams were playing us tough anyway, but maybe more so after we got back in the race. The guys persevered, and this makes that trip back home a whole lot easier.

You still attack the zone with them. I was very aggressive in the zone and let these guys swing the bat like they did.

This is another game, probably the second or third inning, you're thinking, here we go. You cannot make a mistake. Don't leave the ball in the middle of the plate, so on and so forth. To give our guys a chance.

This is spring-training mode, even though I think for us, man to man, it's a little more meaningful. As the days pass and progress, I think guys will start to get a little more serious.

I've got guys getting the laundry bag out of my closet to go down and keep filling it with ice,

It took a lot of work from a lot of guys in this clubhouse. It made it worth the wait. It made it worth my decision to come back. Playing this time of year never gets old.

I know the throwing part of it was fine, and I appreciate the guys letting me get out there and do this. Once we knew we'd be doing the World Game stuff, we talked to (Major League Baseball and got their approval), and it's a nice situation to get out there and get some work done.

I'm just glad we're advancing. As we move on, the games will be a little larger and our guys will not only be able to play a few more innings in the field but you'll be able to see a certain amount of pitchers be able to throw a few more innings.

I just wanted to make sure I was ready before I gave (WBC manager) Buck (Martinez) the nod. There's a pride factor. You never want to go out there and embarrass yourself. I'm going to be competing against guys half my age.

I know my body, ... That's the best thing about it. I know that with my back, I'm getting through this OK. With a leg injury, I probably wouldn't be able to disguise it as well and probably wouldn't be able to start. We've probably got a handful of guys on this team right now that have things going on. It's not that big a deal. We'll grind through it.

I don't think that guys need to even concern themselves with if Washington is going to help us or not. Just go out there and do it.

I don't think that guys need to even be concerned with if Washington's going to help us out or not,

All of these guys had great years, ... Obviously, I knew Jeff and he told me about his younger brother before. I've had the opportunity to talk with the J.P. and Wade as well. They all have a lot of character, will and desire.