I’ve always thought Matt Clement was one of the most aggravating pitchers to watch. This game showed why: the lack of control, always pitching in jams - not to mention he’s slow. But he did get out of the jams to finish at 3-0, which is something.
This bit in the Globe intrigued me:
Clement, when he’s missed and walked people, especially lefties, frequently has done so by misplacing his cut fastball. That’s a result of still learning how he wants to pitch, even at age 30.
“I never threw it to that side of the plate before,” he said of the cutter, which he throws outside to lefties and in to righties. “It’s a pitch that’s helped me a lot this year. But it’s finding a groove.” (Link)
Interesting. I don’t know whether to be impressed that he’s still trying to learn at 30, or be worried that he’s still figuring out what to do with the cutter. I guess Clement’s always seemed like a young pitcher for his age in that sense.
And I love that Kevin Youkilis is hitting well. One of my favourite players.