Vampires rookie rewarded into rotation
June 1, 2001
Vampires rookie Clement to start (AP)- The New Orleans Vampires announced today that the time has come for rookie hurler Matt Clement to be rewarded for his amazing efforts on the mound of late. Clement will enter the rotation in place of veteran Bret Saberhagen in the #3 spot. "I knew my days were numbered with the kid pitching like that," comment Sabes, "but whether I'm in the rotation or in the pen it's no matter to me. I just want to be on this team and contributing." There had been great speculation that Clement and Clint Faatz would bust into the rotation but Faatz has struggled of late and, according to GM Peter Gammons, "You can only shake up your rotation so much, so often before the whole staff self destructs." When told of his promotion, Clement remained low key, though delighted, "I knew my future was bright but I certainly didn't expect to make these kind of strides. I just hope I don't screw this up." Vampires Manager Bip Roberts laughed when told of Clements comments, "That's funny. He's a good kid. Certainly, if he struggle we only have ourselves to blame. He has his whole career ahead of him. What's he worried about? He's earned a shot." Indeed, Clement's numbers have been simply staggering for a rookie.
There has also been great speculation around New Orleans as to just what the future of former ace Sterling Hitchcock had in store. Stuck in the pen? Traded? Neither, according to Gammons, "After the way Sterling led us last year, he deserves the time, space and patience this season to work things out for himself." Sterling declined comment. Clint Faatz, meanwhile, the brash youngster who has been itching to break into the rotation since last season isn't quite as reserved as the rest saying, "If people aren't doing their jobs, the rest of us young guys should have the opportunity to replace them. Matt's gotten his [chance]. I'm still waiting for mine."
