DALLAS — Roger Clemens won't be pitching for Houston on opening day, but Trevor Hoffman will be back in the San Diego Padres' bullpen.
On one of the busiest days at the winter meetings in several years, the NL-champion Astros refused to offer salary arbitration to Clemens on Wednesday, which means they can't re-sign the seven-time Cy Young Award winner until May 1. The 43-year-old right-hander hasn't decided whether he will retire or pitch next season, and the decision by his hometown team could lead to other clubs trying to sign him.
The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, two of his former clubs, might be interested in signing Clemens, who made $18 million last season. The Rocket was 13-8 and led the major leagues with a 1.87 earned-run average.
Said Clemens' agent, Randy Hendricks: "If anybody calls, we'll listen."
Associated Press
On one of the busiest days at the winter meetings in several years, the NL-champion Astros refused to offer salary arbitration to Clemens on Wednesday, which means they can't re-sign the seven-time Cy Young Award winner until May 1. The 43-year-old right-hander hasn't decided whether he will retire or pitch next season, and the decision by his hometown team could lead to other clubs trying to sign him.
The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, two of his former clubs, might be interested in signing Clemens, who made $18 million last season. The Rocket was 13-8 and led the major leagues with a 1.87 earned-run average.
Said Clemens' agent, Randy Hendricks: "If anybody calls, we'll listen."
Associated Press