Astros general manager Tim Purpura and owner Drayton McLane Jr. met with the agents for Roger Clemens on Tuesday to discuss a contract proposal the Astros submitted to the seven-time Cy Young Award winner.
"This was our first meeting. Basically, it was a chance to sit down and go over the preliminary offer we submitted to [agents Randy and Alan Hendricks]," Purpura said. "I thought it went fine, but there's not a lot to report because Roger still hasn't made a decision [as to whether he will pitch in 2006 or retire]. If he does decide to come back, obviously we'd love to have him, and we've made very clear our interest in having him back."
Monday marked the first day the Astros could begin negotiations with Clemens, who is being courted by four teams: the Astros, Yankees, Red Sox and Rangers. Because the Astros did not offer Clemens arbitration in December, Major League Baseball rules dictate they were barred from negotiating with him until May 1.
The Astros didn't waste time once the negotiating window opened. The proposal was submitted on Monday and the two sides -- minus Clemens, who did not attend -- met face-to-face on Tuesday.
"It was a good meeting," Purpura said. "I think they have a clear picture of where we're at and what the possibilities are should Roger decide to pitch again."
Purpura will not discuss contract numbers, but Clemens made $18 million last season, the largest single-season contract for a pitcher in Major League history. Though any 2006 deal with Clemens would be prorated, Purpura said Monday it would be very difficult for a player of Clemens' stature coming off a season like the one Clemens had to take a paycut.
Clemens made $3 million per month for the six months of the regular season last year, and that figure could be a starting point for negotiations this time.
Hendricks said last week his client does not intend to pitch in May. The Astros are prepared to wait as long as it takes for Clemens, whether it's June, July or August.
Purpura said no timetable exists for a decision from Clemens and that no other meetings have been planned with the Hendricks brothers. The Astros have made their pitch, and will now wait for the Rocket.
"Randy's perception was if he [Clemens] does come back, it will certainly be before the All-Star Break [July 10-12]," Purpura said. "We'd love to have him back sooner rather than later, but we're not opposed to waiting [beyond July] if that's what it takes."
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