Olise Claiborne "Cla" Meredith III (), nicknamed "The Claw", (born June 4, 1983, in
Richmond, Virginia) is a
Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently a
Free Agent.
Collegiate career
Meredith attended
Virginia Commonwealth University and played on their
baseball team. Meredith was used almost exclusively as a reliever. He put up his best numbers in , going 6-0 with a school record 1.19
ERA, which was 2nd best in the
NCAA (
Division I). Meredith posted 8
saves that year, with 70
strikeouts, and only 16
walks. He is also VCU's all time ERA leader at 2.52.
Professional career
Boston Red Sox
Meredith was
drafted in the 6th round (185th overall)
2004 Major League Baseball Draft by the
Boston Red Sox after his junior year at VCU. He started his pro career with their Single-A affiliate the
Augusta GreenJackets. In 13 games, he gave up no
runs and saved six games, while striking out 18 and walking three.
He was promoted to
Sarasota of the
Florida State League after his performance in Augusta and put up a 0-2 record with a 2.20 ERA in 16 games with 12 saves, 16 strikeouts and only three walks. In , he pitched 15
innings over 12 games for the
Portland Sea Dogs without giving up an
earned run, striking out 12 while walking three.
He made his major league debut on May 8 against
Seattle. Meredith walked two batters before allowing a
grand slam to
Richie Sexson.
San Diego Padres
On May 1, , Meredith was traded to the Padres, along with then-Red Sox...
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