Astros sever ties with Roger Clemens

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

Also in Baseball yesterday

There were nine trades on the third day of the winter meetings, with the Texas Rangers reaching a tentative deal to send All-Star second baseman Alfonso Soriano to the Washington Nationals for outfielders Brad Wilkerson and Terrmel Sledge plus minor-league pitcher Armando Galarraga. The deal was subject to the players passing their physicals.

With Wednesday's deadline for teams to offer arbitration to their former players who became free agents, players and clubs were forced to make decisions. Hoffman, who had been negotiating with Cleveland and San Diego, decided to accept a $13.5 million, two-year deal with the Padres. An option year in 2008 could hike the value of the closer's deal to $19 million.

Bernie Williams was among 26 players offered arbitration, giving the Yankees until Jan. 8 to re-sign their longtime outfielder, who is wanted back in a reserve role.

The Chicago White Sox refused to offer arbitration to two-time AL MVP Frank Thomas, who was injured much of the past two seasons. The Mets declined to offer arbitration to Mike Piazza, their longtime catcher, cutting ties with one of the best hitters in franchise history.

The Marlins made Juan Pierre the latest player to join the migration from Florida, sending the center fielder to the Chicago Cubs for right-hander Sergio Mitre and two minor-league pitchers.

Atlanta sent failed closer Dan Kolb back to Milwaukee for pitcher Wes Obermueller. Braves catcher Johnny Estrada went to Arizona for pitchers Lance Cormier and Oscar Villarreal.

San Diego dealt third baseman Sean Burroughs to Tampa Bay for pitcher Dewon Brazelton, and second baseman Mark Loretta to Boston for catcher Doug Mirabelli.
Milwaukee sent first baseman Lyle Overbay to Toronto for right-hander Dave Bush, outfield prospect Gabe Gross and a player to be named. Left-hander Ray King was traded from St. Louis to Colorado for outfielder Larry Bigbie and infielder Aaron Miles.

Pittsburgh traded starting pitcher Mark Redman to Kansas City for pitcher Jonah Bayliss and a player to be named.

The Cleveland Indians gave closer Bob Wickman a $5 million, one-year deal.

Associated Press

Id love to see him finish his career as a Red Sox

golfer70 said:

Id love to see him finish his career as a Red Sox

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Is that a possibility?

He will pitch ... the guy is driven now by making a run at 400 wins and hell, why not ... he can still flat ass pitch and is one of the top 5 pitchers in the game and is in great shape

Time for the Rangers to make a serious play for this guy ... give him a 3 yr deal and let him finish his career in Texas .. hell, with that offv he would have won 20 games this year

I think it is a strong possibilty Clemens could go back to NY or Bos, also the other scenario is he comes back with Houston in May , since he is older it may even be the best fit for him.

No way, he's retiring.

scoop i hear is he joins the astros may 1st. better rested to tackle the season from there anyway.

He will be back in an Astros Uniform after May 1st...

As great as he is...making $18 million last season is what makes baseball stupid.

Clip Joint said:

As great as he is...making $18 million last season is what makes baseball stupid.

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Comparably speaking, his salary is a bargain...Any idea how much extra revenue Clemens gives back to Houston and MLB when he pitches?

Look around the NBA if you want to look at players being paid for nothing...atleast wth Clemens they're paying a guy who will give his all every single time.

Max- wishful thinking!

Basketball has what...a 13-15 man roster?

The problem with baseball is teams can just outbid for the top players. How could Kansas City or Milwaukee ever have a player like Clemens or ARod?

Clip Joint said:

Basketball has what...a 13-15 man roster?

The problem with baseball is teams can just outbid for the top players. How could Kansas City or Milwaukee ever have a player like Clemens or ARod?

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I have been crying about this for ten years...literally :neenee: