For example, one with a rabid fan base, a chance to go to the playoffs every year, an historic ballpark, not to mention a city that would be reasonably close to his family and friends in Pittsburgh.

In other words, the Boston Red Sox seemed ideal. But before jumping at that chance, Clement carefully explored his alternatives, thoroughly exploring suitors that also included the Angels, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, White Sox, Indians and Blue Jays.

By the time his detailed research project was complete, Clement learned what he'd suspected all along: The Red Sox were ideal, and that's where he wound up, signing a three-year contract worth approximately $25 million.

The decision was made on Friday, and came to fruition Tuesday, when Clement went to Boston and passed his physical. The Red Sox announced the move on Wednesday.

He will join fellow newcomer David Wells in a rotation that will also include Curt Schilling, Tim Wakefield and Bronson Arroyo.

And that quintet could have company. According to ESPN.com, the Red Sox signed right-hander Wade Miller -- who was non-tendered by the Astros on Monday -- to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million and incentives that could bring the total value of the contract to $4.5 million.

"I'm so excited," said Clement in a conference call. "How many pitchers get the chance to pitch at Wrigley field for three years, and now, get to pitch at Fenway Park for three years, especially after a World Series. I'm just unbelievably excited to come to Fenway Park and to be a pitcher for the Red Sox."

Clement's years with the Cubs helped him appreciate the accomplishments of the 2004 Red Sox even more. He knows what it's like to be pitching on a team that has the burden of trying to end generations of championship futility.

"Coming from the Cubs and seeing what they accomplished, not just winning the World Series, but having the scrutiny on them, having the supposed curse on them, the whole bit, being able to overcome something like that, that's something I want to be a part of, people who are all about that," said Clement. "Obviously location was another thing for me. Pittsburgh isn't a far flight from Boston, not even that bad of a drive."

There's also the matter of catcher Jason Varitek, the free agent the Red Sox are working overtime in hopes of retaining.

"I heard more rave reviews about [Varitek] from different people then I ever had in the past about anybody," Clement said. "As a pitcher, when I watch games, I watch how the catcher performs and think to myself, man, 'I'd love to throw to this guy'. I remember saying that many a time, both about Varitek and [Doug] Mirabelli and that's something I'm very excited about."

The Red Sox are excited about Clement's upside. His stuff is nasty, evidenced by opponents hitting a meager .229 against him last season.

The 30-year-old Clement is a hard thrower with sinking action on his fastball, and a top-notch slider. He has struggled at times to find the strike zone, which is probably the main thing that has prevented him from fully reaching his potential.

Pitching for the Cubs in 2004, Clement went 9-13 with a 3.68 ERA. He stuck out 191 batters over 181 innings.

"I'm a groundball pitcher," said Clement. "I use my slider as my effective out pitch. I'm just going to attack the hitters aggressively as best I can."

In his career, Clement has pitched for the Padres (1998-2000), Marlins (2001) and Cubs (2002-'04), going 69-75 with a 4.34 ERA. The Red Sox look at him as a pitcher who is ready to enter his prime.

Clement wasn't about to dispute that notion.

"If you ever feel like you're a finished pitching product, you aren't going to get what you need out of yourself," said Clement. "I've always been the type of person that just, I don't care how great a season it would be for me, I'm always going to think there's more I can get out of myself."

While trying to make up his mind, Clement spoke with Red Sox third baseman Bill Mueller, his former teammate in Chicago. After Mueller assured him he could thrive in Boston, Clement talked to a number of impartial baseball people, including Greg Maddux, Mark Grace, Kerry Wood and Trevor Hoffman. Nobody could convince him that the Red Sox weren't the answer to what he was looking for.

"The one thing they constantly sold me on was the fact that it's going to be a good team," said Clement. "You're going to be on a good team for three years."