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Toy Cannon
07-14-2005, 05:11 PM
Here's hoping that apple doesnt fall far from the tree :thumbsup:

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3266416

Memorial High star Koby Clemens, the eldest son of future Hall of Famer Roger Clemens, has reached an agreement to sign with his father's Astros. Clemens will receive around a $380,000 signing bonus.


The Astros confirmed the signing in an announcement this afternoon. Clemens had signed a letter of intent to play at his father's alma mater, the University of Texas. But he now appears headed to Class A Greenville, Tenn.

Earlier today, Astros general manager Tim Purpura withheld comment on the signing other than to say, "this is a kid with good ability, a good arm. And the pedigree doesn't hurt."

Clemens, the eighth-round pick, was the 254th selection overall in the first-year player draft early last month. Koby, a stellar pitcher who will give up the mound and focus on third base or catching, hit .523 this year as a senior. He also had 10 home runs and 14 doubles with 55 RBIs.

On the mound he was 8-3 with a 3.17 ERA. His three no-hitters at Memorial High are three more than his legendary father has compiled throughout his entire baseball career — from little league through junior college, Texas, the minors and 22 major-league seasons.

Considering how well the eldest Clemens has pitched this year, Koby Clemens has a chance to join his father some day in the majors if he rushes through the minors.

"I don't want to throw anything like that in his mind," Koby said Tuesday in the National League All-Star team's clubhouse before the game at Comerica Park. "He's just having another unbelievable year. He's not acting his age. It's just stupid. I hope I get a chance to play as long as he (has)."

With that said, Koby readily admitted that he hasn't had much chance hitting his father's pitches in the few at-bats he's had when his father's throwing at full-speed.

"I'm not ready to give up the kingdom yet," Clemens bellowed as he dressed for the All-Star game.

Roger Clemens may not be ready to give up the kingdom, but there is definitely a Clemens prince in the organization ready to follow in his footsteps.

barzilla
07-14-2005, 05:46 PM
Thanks for updating us Dale,

I want to caution everyone against expecting too much from Koby. Truth be told, he probably would have been drafted earlier had he not signed a letter of intent to UT, but we saw the same thing last year with Troy Patten. My hope is that they bring him along like they would any other prospect (er: bring him along like they SHOULD with any other prospect. After all, the Stros had lead feet when it comes to advancing their good prospects). I have hopes for him as a third base prospect. Gosh knows we need as many good position player prospects as we can get our hands on.

PopTop
07-14-2005, 06:47 PM
I'm surprised by this since I really thought he wanted to go to UT and play there at least through his junior year. Kinda' hoping he develops as a catcher...how cool would that be, to maybe have one Clemens catch another Clemens from the mound during a Sept 2006 callup?!?!?!

uj4l
07-14-2005, 06:49 PM
I'm surprised by this since I really thought he wanted to go to UT and play there at least through his junior year. Kinda' hoping he develops as a catcher...how cool would that be, to maybe have one Clemens catch another Clemens from the mound during a Sept 2006 callup?!?!?!

Thatd be so cool! But is this Rogers last year? 43 isnt it?

barzilla
07-14-2005, 07:30 PM
It would really be cool since he is a third baseman and hasn't caught before as far as I know.

PopTop
07-14-2005, 10:44 PM
It would really be cool since he is a third baseman and hasn't caught before as far as I know.I was just referring back to the quote in the article: "...a stellar pitcher who will give up the mound and focus on third base or catching."

barzilla
07-14-2005, 11:25 PM
Ahhhh. Reading is fundamental

bagger
07-14-2005, 11:34 PM
i think that as young as he is and with as much physical maturation as he has left, it'll be a couple years before we have any idea what his position will be. he could be a third baseman today, catcher tomorrow, and starter the day after.