Now in retirement, Roger Clemens wants to impart his
knowledge to the younger generation of pitchers.
So during his visit to Boston — where he was named to
the All-Fenway Team — the legendary pitcher pulled aside Red Sox closer Andrew
Bailey to compliment his approach and offer him some advice.
"When he finished that game off [on
Sept. 23], I talked to Andrew about being able to repeat what he's able to do
and to go look at video," Clemens said on Wednesday. "If he's able to visualize
and look at that and put that in play, the way he finished off the game the
other night — a ball on the outside half, a great pitcher's pitch — if he can
repeat that, he's a professional, he can do that."
Clemens also believes Red Sox starter Jon Lester will
rebound from his tumultuous 2012 season. Since the last time the duo convened,
Clemens watched Lester evolve from a young pitcher to an All-Star caliber
hurler.
Once Lester regains his confidence, Clemens said he
expects the 28-year-old to continue overcoming obstacles.
"I was here when they were talking about his pitch
count being high and not pitching to contact," Clemens said. "He's a
big kid. I got to meet him a couple years ago and I didn't realize — he's a
guy that can stand on the mound and use his height and strength and work
downhill.
"The sky is the limit for him. I think you guys
know, I hope you guys know, that it has a lot [to do with] confidence. If he can get
hot, he should be able to rip off quite a few games and get right back to being
a 20-game winner."
It's a distinguished endorsement from Clemens. And down
the road, Bailey and Lester could be better off for it.
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