Clemens drops in at Astros minicamp

Roger Clemens made an unexpected appearance at the start of the Astros’ minicamp Monday in Houston, pitching batting practice to prospects that included his oldest son, Koby.

The 43-year-old right-hander hasn’t decided whether he’ll play a 23rd season. He led the majors with a 1.87 ERA last year but was plagued by back and hamstring problems late in the season. He limped off the field after just two innings in the World Series opener.

Clemens said his back and hamstring were healed, but he has doubts whether he could last another full year.

“There will be a week I get up and I feel like I can do it again and then the next week, I don’t want to get out in the outfield and start running those poles and doing those things,” Clemens said.

Sons want Clemente honored

One of Roberto Clemente’s sons says the request that baseball retire his father’s No. 21 is being misunderstood.

Jackie Robinson broke the major league’s color barrier in 1947, and his No. 42 was retired for all teams on April 15, 1997 – the 50th anniversary of his big league debut. Some Latinos are pushing to get the same status for the number of Clemente, who died in a plane crash on Dec. 31, 1972, while trying to deliver relief supplies following an earthquake in Nicaragua.

“It’s not based on being the first Latino,” Luis Clemente said. “It’s more as a person – who he was and what he taught. That’s why still today newborns are given the name Roberto or Clemente in admiration.”

Clearing the bases

Marlins officials met with Hialeah mayor Julio Robaina to discuss two sites for a potential ballpark. Marlins president David Samson said the talks demonstrated the team’s desire to stay in the region. Hialeah is northwest of downtown Miami. … Second baseman/outfielder Jerry Hairston Jr. avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year, $2.3 million deal with the Cubs. … Right-hander Travis Harper avoided arbitration with the Devil Rays, agreeing to an $850,000, one-year deal.