Clemens still wishy-washy over plans for next season

NEW YORK -- Roger Clemens talked about his plight and laughed.

"I'm failing at retirement," he said. "Let's just face it. I'm failing miserably at it."

The 44-year-old right-hander, unsure whether to retire or return for a 24th major league season, was the keynote speaker for the St. John's winter baseball banquet on Wednesday night.

If he does pitch -- and it sounds as if he will -- Clemens will choose among his hometown Houston Astros, the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox.

"I think if it wasn't for more than a handful of phone calls from my teammates, not only my teammates here, but in Houston and the guys in Boston, I don't think I'd take it to heart as much," he said. "It would be real easy to step away and be done with it."

Clemens threw batting practice in Houston for the Astros this week, mostly to minor leaguers.

"I probably threw 45 minutes of BP on Monday and again on Tuesday," he said. "It's supposed to be good for your heart. I'd rather have a glass of wine."

Clemens didn't start his major league season last year until June 22. Plagued by poor run support, he went 7-6 with a 2.30 ERA in 19 starts.

This year, he might begin a few weeks earlier - but only a few weeks.

"None of the teams are interested in seeing me before May, and that's great," he said. "I don't have an interest in playing right now in May."