NASHVILLE - The Houston Astros angrily dropped out of the running for pitcher Roger Clemens on Sunday.
In a surprise press conference at baseball's winter meetings, Houston General Manager Gerry Hunsicker pronounced himself "stunned and outraged" at the prospect of trading premium talent for Clemens and paying the pitcher free-agent money as part of the transaction. Clemens expressed a desire to play for a contending team or one closer to his home in suburban Houston.
The Astros looked like a good fit.
That all changed when Houston owner Drayton McLane Jr. spoke with agents Randy and Alan Hendricks and learned the team would have to restructure Clemens' contract as part of the trade.
"We were stunned and outraged at the demands presented by the agents," Hunsicker said. "We're not in a position financially to even consider this.
"Even if we were, the talent we'd have to trade to accommodate this restructuring would leave us with a team I'm not sure Roger Clemens would even be interested in being part of."
Clemens has two years and about $16 million left on his contract with Toronto.
Hunsicker, who declined to address figures, called the Hendricks brothers' demands "mind-boggling."
Houston Chronicle sources said Clemens asked for a new three-year deal worth $43.5 million with a fourth-year vesting option worth an additional $15 million. The deal called for a $12 million signing bonus to be spread over the life of the contract, not to mention the usual list of perks such as hotel suites when the team is on the road, etc.
Randy Hendricks said Hunsicker was acting immaturely.
"That's inappropriate and unprofessional," said Hendricks. "For them to respond to me through a news conference is third-rate and unprofessional."
Houston's withdrawal left the New York Yankees and Texas as the top contenders, with Cleveland and the New York Mets on the periphery. In addition, it is thought Baltimore and Colorado might try to become involved, even though Clemens isn't very inclined to go to them.
"There are still several clubs that are interested, and we're going to continue to work toward making a deal," Blue Jays General Manager Gord Ash said.
Ash did, however, leave open the possibility the right-hander will remain with the club in 1999.
"If we trade Roger Clemens, we're going to receive good value," Ash said. "If we don't, he's going to return and give us one of the better rotations in baseball."
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