Roger Clemens filed for a record $22 million in salary arbitration on Tuesday, and the Houston Astros offered the seven-time Cy Young Award winner $13.5 million.

The Rocket, who helped lead the Astros within one win of their first World Series appearance, still has not decided whether to pitch this year or retire.

Until now, the highest figure ever submitted for arbitration was $18.5 million in 2001 by New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, who then agreed to a $189 million, 10-year deal.

The highest salary ever earned by a pitcher in a single season was $17.5 million, last year by Boston’s Pedro Martinez.

“We looked at what some of the comparables were – Greg Maddux, Randy Johnson – and we tried to use those star-quality players to come up with a number,” Astros general manager Tim Purpura said.

Clemens, 42, left the Yankees after the 2003 season and intended to retire. But after former teammate Andy Pettitte signed with the Astros, Clemens was persuaded to sign with his hometown club.

He took an undermarket deal that guaranteed him $5 million, of which $3.5 million was deferred without interest. Clemens earned an additional $1,825,000 in bonuses.

The $8.5 million spread between his figure and the Astros’ was exactly double the previous high in salary arbitration – the Yankees filed at $14.25 million with Jeter in 2001. The midpoint of $17.75 million is just above the highest listed salary for a pitcher this season – Randy Johnson’s salary with the New York Yankees is calculated at $16.5 million.

Clemens had a remarkable season, going 18-4 with a 2.98 ERA and 218 strikeouts. As he did last winter, he says he is leaning toward retirement but has not ruled out playing.

Dodgers make Gagne rich man

Former Cy Young Award winner Eric Gagne avoided another difficult salary arbitration hearing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, agreeing to a $19 million, two-year contract.

Gagne and the Dodgers agreed to the deal just before they were scheduled to exchange figures in salary arbitration.

“We wanted to do everything we could to try to keep him,” Dodgers general manager Paul DePodesta said. “I don’t like to be put in a position where we’re pitted against one of our players.”

Gagne will get $8 million this year and $10 million in 2006. Los Angeles has a $12 million option for 2007 with a $1 million buyout, but Gagne has the right to void the option and become a free agent.

A year ago, Gagne was awarded $5 million by a panel of three arbitrators rather than his $8 million request. The right-hander won the NL Cy Young Award in 2003.

“We think he’s truly dominant,” DePodesta said. “He’s not a guy who’s as replaceable as some of the other guys are. He affects the games that we’re supposed to win.”

Devil Rays tops in arbitration

Six players eligible for arbitration exchanged salary figures with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, the most in the major leagues.

Catcher Toby Hall asked for $2.25 million – more than six times what he made last season with the Devil Rays, who had baseball’s lowest payroll. The team offered $1.7 million.

Shortstop Julio Lugo and four pitchers – Jesus Colome, Travis Harper, Trever Miller and Jorge Sosa – also are seeking substantial raises.

Cubs sign three players

The Chicago Cubs agreed to a $12 million, three-year contract with catcher Michael Barrett and one-year deals with center fielder Corey Patterson and reliever Kyle Farnsworth.

The Cubs avoided arbitration with all three. Farnsworth got a raise from $1.4 million to $1,975,000. Patterson, who made $480,000 last season, received an increase to $2.8 million.

Clearing the bases

Florida right-hander Josh Beckett agreed to a $2.4 million, one-year contract, leaving the team with no players in arbitration. … Third baseman Sean Burroughs agreed to a $1,675,000, one-year contract with San Diego, nearly five times what he made last year. … St. Louis and left-hander Rick Ankiel avoided arbitration, agreeing to a $400,000, one-year contract. … The New York Mets signed right-hander Roberto Hernandez to a minor league contract and invited him to major league camp. … Shortstop Jimmy Rollins and Philadelphia agreed to a $3.85 million, one-year contract, and versatile infielder Placido Polanco also avoided arbitration with a $4.6 million contract for 2005. … Closer Octavio Dotel ($4.75 million) and outfielder Bobby Kielty ($875,000) agreed to one-year contracts with Oakland. … Right-hander Jason Jennings agreed to a $7 million, two-year deal with Colordao, while righty Joe Kennedy accepted a $2.2 million, one-year contract, solidifying two of the top spots in the rotation.

Outfielder-first baseman Craig Wilson ($3 million) and right-hander Josh Fogg ($2.5 million) agreed to one-year deals with Pittsburgh. … Right-hander Brandon Lyon and Arizona agreed to a $330,000, one-year contract that avoided arbitration. … The Chicago White Sox agreed to a $1.3 million, one-year contract with right-hander Luis Vizcaino, avoiding arbitration. … Right-hander Tomo Ohka agreed to a $2.75 million, one-year contract with the Washington Nationals, a raise of $412,500.