The art of warming up to pitch

USA Today's article on April 17, 2006 ("Warm-ups an Art Form," by Mel Antonen) about Roger Clemens's pregame warm-up routine is great. "He saves bullpen pitches," says Mr. Antonen. "Clemens could be ready for a game in 35 pitches."

Just 35 pitches? So how does he do it?

Houston Astros pitching coach Jim Hickey (pictured talking to Astros closer Brad Lidge) says Clemens is already loose from running, stretching, and long-tossing when he gets on the bullpen mound to take his warm-up pitches.

"Every thing's calculated," he says in the article. "Most pitchers throw about 10-12 pitches before they even think about moving on to a breaking ball ... and then they'll throw 60-70 pitches." Clemens usually moved on to a slider on the 5th pitch.

Coach Hickey says pitchers should already be ready and loose before making warm-up pitches in the "pen."

"It is not for exercising to get ready for the game," he says. "You should be thinking about what you're going to execute in the game."