Maroon87
12-07-2005, 06:11 PM
Astros won't offer arbitration to ClemensESPN.com news services
Roger Clemens hasn't decided whether he wants to return for a 23rd season or retire. The Houston Astros might have made that decision for him.
The Astros said Wednesday they will not offer arbitration to Clemens, which means he cannot re-sign with the team until May 1.
The Astros offered Clemens, 43, arbitration last season, and the sides eventually agreed on an $18 million salary for the 2004 season.
An agent for Clemens, who is committed to pitching in the World Baseball Classic in March, said that as of Monday the Rocket would retire if forced to make a decision immediately.
Clemens led the major leagues with a career-low 1.87 ERA last season, going 13-8. He finished third in NL Cy Young Award balloting behind Chris Carpenter and Dontrelle Willis.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Roger Clemens hasn't decided whether he wants to return for a 23rd season or retire. The Houston Astros might have made that decision for him.
The Astros said Wednesday they will not offer arbitration to Clemens, which means he cannot re-sign with the team until May 1.
The Astros offered Clemens, 43, arbitration last season, and the sides eventually agreed on an $18 million salary for the 2004 season.
An agent for Clemens, who is committed to pitching in the World Baseball Classic in March, said that as of Monday the Rocket would retire if forced to make a decision immediately.
Clemens led the major leagues with a career-low 1.87 ERA last season, going 13-8. He finished third in NL Cy Young Award balloting behind Chris Carpenter and Dontrelle Willis.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.