Astros may bail on Rocket
AP
Roger Clemensâ 10-year personal services contract with the Houston Astros could be affected by a possible perjury investigation into whether he lied to Congress about using steroids.
Astros owner Drayton McLane said today he might reconsider the deal â which kicks in when the star pitcher officially retires â in light of Clemensâ legal issues.
âThat makes it more complex, it sure does,â McLane said. âWeâll just have to look at that and see what transpires. Weâll have to evaluate it at the time.â
Before starting to throw batting practice to minor leaguers at the Astros camp, Clemens offered a terse response to a question about the congressional request for a Justice Department investigation into whether he committed perjury in his denials of steroid use.
âIâm going to handle it the right way,â Clemens said. âYou guys are wasting your time. Weâre going to handle it the right way.â
He then began his batting practice session on the mound.
As things now stand, McLane isnât thrilled about the attention Clemens is drawing at the Astrosâ spring training camp, where the seven-time Cy Young Award winner has been throwing batting practice to minor leaguers.
âThat brings a lot of media here and the only regrettable part is it takes the focus off of baseball,â McLane said.
Clemensâ contract with the Astros allows him to work with the minor leaguers, including his oldest son, Koby.
McLane said he hasnât spoken to Clemens about his contract since before he testified in February, answering allegations of steroid use brought by former personal trainer Brian McNamee. Tal Smith, the Astrosâ president of baseball operations, and Clemensâ agents, Alan and Randy Hendricks, were also involved in that last conversation.
âWe all agreed that we would just see where this led,â McLane said. âWeâll just see what transpires. The real important factor is what steps will the government take? Weâll have to wait and see.â
Clemens played for the Astros from 2004-06. He also worked out at Astros camp last season before deciding in May to play for the Yankees.
McLane said heâll also wait before deciding if heâd want Clemens to play for the Astros again if he decided to make one more comeback.
âWeâre going to have to wait and see what happens,â McLane said. âThe last year, he didnât make his decision until May. The year before, it was about May before he made a decision. This is still cold February.
âThis is down the road if itâs true to form to whatâs occurred the last two years. Itâs too early.â


