Report: Astros offer Clemens one-year contract to unretire

HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros have reportedly offered six- time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens a one-year contract.

According to the Houston Chronicle, Astros owner Drayton McLane has already put forth an offer to the future Hall of Famer and is just waiting to see if Clemens will decide to play next season or not. Clemens will likely decide by the end of this month if he will remain retired.

The 41-year-old Clemens stated that he was retiring after this past season, but with Houston's recent addition of Clemens' good friend, Andy Pettitte, Clemens might be reconsidering his future. Clemens has also said that he would like to pitch in his hometown, where his family is located.

Clemens went 17-9 with a 3.91 ERA last year for the Yankees, who lost in six games to the Florida Marlins in the World Series.

For his career, which spans 20 seasons and includes stints with Boston, Toronto and the Yankees, Clemens has compiled a 310-160 mark with a 3.19 ERA while also striking out 4,099 batters.

Despite losing nearly $15 million last year, McLane does not mind raising the payroll for 2004 due to Houston receiving a huge boost in ticket sales after Pettitte was signed from the Yankees on December 11.

Pettitte strengthened an already strong Houston rotation, joining Roy Oswalt and Wade Miller. If Clemens agrees to play with the Astros, the staff could be among the best in baseball.