Cla Meredith

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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