Houston Makes Case for Return of Roger Clemens

The Houston Astros opening offer to future Hall of Fame pitcher Roger Clemens is approximately $3 million a month, the amount Clemens earned last year. But that's just a starting point. Expect Clemens to be offered a significant raise, receiving the largest prorated one-year contract in history. Astros general manager Tim Purpura and owner Drayton McLane Jr. met with Clemens agents Randy and Alan Hendricks Tuesday, learning that Clemens will not return to action before June 1, if at all. Clemens has not yet decided whether he will retire. But Clemens very likely will accept Houston's offer over those of the Yankees, Rangers and Red Sox, especially if the Astros are in playoff contention and if Purpura tempts Clemens with an offer to call up the Rocket's son, Koby Clemens, an Astros prospect. The September callup would mean that the father and son would appear on the same field together before the elder Clemens calls it quits, but would be subject to approval by the commissioner's office.