Only Roger Clemens knows if he'll return for a 23rd big league season. But Andy Pettitte said he would be surprised if his close friend and Astros teammate wasn't back on the mound. Whether that would be for the Astros or Yankees, Pettitte didn't say. "That dude throws year round. He's an animal," said Pettitte, in town yesterday for the 26th annual Thurman Munson awards dinner at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. "When Roger's ready to talk about (his future), he'll talk about that. But I know one thing - he's trying to get himself ready to play in a world cup game." And beyond that? "Knowing him," said Pettitte, "I'd be surprised if he didn't (come back)."