Retirement? Clemens takes consultant job
Roger Clemens is ready to join the Houston Astros – as a consultant.
In a sign that Clemens’ pitching career could be over, his agent told the Astros on Wednesday that the seven-time Cy Young winner is set to start his personal-services contract with the team.
“He’s moving toward retirement and leaving open the possibility of playing,” agent Randy Hendricks said. “As Roger has stated several times, he’s failed at retirement repeatedly.”
Hendricks sent Astros owner Drayton McLane an e-mail informing him of the decision. This was the first time Hendricks formally told Houston that Clemens was ready to work off the field.
It was not clear how Clemens would respond if the New York Yankees or Astros asked him to pitch next year. Clemens, 45, was 6-6 with a 4.18 ERA in 17 starts and one relief appearance for the Yankees last season. He rejoined the Yankees following three years with his hometown Astros.
Angels would love A-Rod
The Los Angeles Angels are baseball’s exception: They openly admit they’d love to sign Alex Rodriguez.
The Angels had a meet-and-greet with A-Rod’s agent, Scott Boras, at the general managers’ meetings at Orlando. The New York Mets also spoke with Boras but won’t say whether they’re in or out of the competition.
Tony Reagins, who just took over as the Angels’ GM, had glowing words for A-Rod.
“We had an initial conversation with Scott, and it was introductory,” he said. “He probably makes any team that he’s a part of better.”
While the Mets have the cash to sign Rodriguez, they haven’t committed to making an offer. Boras told the New York Yankees they had to offer $350 million just to get a meeting with the third baseman.
Clearing the bases
The Philadelphia Phillies acquired closer Brad Lidge from the Houston Astros along with infielder Eric Bruntlett. Houston received speedy outfielder Michael Bourn, right-hander Geoff Geary and minor league third baseman Mike Costanzo. … General manager Frank Wren spoke with two-time Cy Young Award winner Tom Glavine about returning to the Braves after a five-year absence. Glavine previously spent 16 seasons in Atlanta and still resides there in the off-season. … Shortstop Juan Uribe and the White Sox agreed to a $4.5 million, one-year contract. … Dennis Mannion was hired as chief operating officer for the Los Angeles Dodgers. … The U.S. opened the 37th Baseball World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Mexico at Taipei, Taiwan. The U.S. plays Panama today.