Feats of Clay

Sure it is.

There was also the small matter of a wager they had going. If Buchholz got called to Boston, the two would trade vehicles, Buchholz's Expedition for Bell's 2001 Chevy Z71 truck. Sept. 1, when major league rosters expand from 25 to 40, was the target date. But Bell miscalculated. He underestimated Buchholz, if that's possible regarding someone who has outlandish expectations, hopes and wants and needs placed at his feet -- or rather, on his right arm. Sept. 1 is two weeks away. And the call-up, the day that has been breathlessly awaited by nearly everyone in Boston, has already come. Buchholz has been promoted to the Red Sox and will start this afternoon's opener of a day-night doubleheader against the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway.

The bet, on its face, seems to demonstrate more than a bit of confidence on the part of Buchholz. It's a self-assurance that comes with having a golden right arm, a can't-miss label, and an assignment to start for a major league team just three days after his 23d birthday. But in an unguarded moment, in a wondering tone, Buchholz reveals a bit of himself normally concealed by his Texas swagger and other people's dreams.

"It's sort of amazing right now," Buchholz said, tucked into a Cheesecake Factory booth in late July. "The whole [pitching against Roger] Clemens thing that I got to do [while with the Red Sox' Double A Portland affiliate when Clemens was on a minor league rehab assignment]. I definitely watched him all through growing up. Being this close to breaking into the big leagues . . ."

His voice trailed off. "I don't know," he continued. "I don't even know the feeling right now. It's sort of . . . I'm still in awe about it."

All the tools So, at times, are those who marvel at his pitching. It's rare to find a young pitcher with a stellar fastball -- 92-94 miles per hour -- who also has a repertoire of offspeed pitches.