Clemens To Astros ... as a Consultant?

Last we heard from our good pal Roger Clemens, he was gingerly leaving the field in Game 3 of the ALDS, nursing yet another one of his playoff injuries. I speculated at the time that his career as a pitcher was probably done, due to a whole host of reasons.

And, It's looking like that's probably the case. Clemens seems to be done as a player, (although, of course, he is leaving the door open just a crack) but his career in baseball is certainly not.

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 Yankees or Astros asked him to pitch next year.

There's quite a lot of wiggle room within that blockquote. But really, unlike the last few years, I just don't see Clemens on the pitching mound next year. At least I think. Well, OK, maybe he will. Probably he will? Argh, let's just let this one play out. How you make us wonder, Roger Clemens.

Previously on FanHouse:
Roger Clemens' Wife Wants Him to Retire
Roger Clemens Hurt, Leaves Early; Is This the End of the Line?