Houston Astros Wiretap

Clemens Shows Up At Houston Minicamp

Roger Clemens made an unexpected appearance at the start of the Houston Astros' minicamp on Monday, pitching batting practice to prospects that included his oldest son, Koby.

The 43-year-old right-hander hasn't decided whether he'll play a 23rd season. He led the major leagues with a 1.87 ERA last year but was plagued by back and hamstring problems late in the season. He limped off the field after just two innings in the World Series opener. Clemens said Monday his back and hamstring were healed, but he has doubts whether he could last another full season.

"There will be a week I get up and I feel like I can do it again and then the next week, I don't want to get out in the outfield and start running those poles and doing those things," Clemens said. "If last year's World Series was it for me, I'm more than happy. I know we didn't reach our ultimate goal, but it was a lot of fun. I have a lot to think about."

Via AP

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Clemens A Good Bet To Return On May 1

Roger Clemens, had he wanted, could have signed with the Yankees, Red Sox or Rangers eons ago. As was The Rocket's case the previous two years, however, he is taking his sweet time in deciding whether he wants to extend his career.

"For sure, nothing until the week after the Super Bowl," Clemens' agent, Randy Hendricks, e-mailed Friday.

The hunch here remains that Clemens will re-sign with the Astros (who didn't offer him salary arbitration) on May 1. He'll benefit from the month off, and he's so entrenched in the Houston community that it would be difficult to pitch elsewhere.

Via Newsday

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Berkman Has Minor Surgery On Right Knee

Houston Astros outfielder Lance Berkman had minor surgery Thursday to remove scar tissue from his right knee.

Berkman, who hit .293 and hit 24 home runs in 2005, is expected to recover within 4-6 weeks, said Astros team doctor David Lintner. The Astros play their first spring training game March 2.

The scar tissue developed as a result of surgery in November 2004 that repaired Berkman's torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Via ESPN

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