Clemens, Astros reach deal

HOUSTON (AP) -- Houston's Roger Clemens is returning to the Astros -- with the highest salary for a pitcher in baseball history.<br/><br/>The seven-time Cy Young Award winner and the Astros today announced

Friday, January 21st 2005, 2:31 pm

By: News On 6

HOUSTON (AP) -- Houston's Roger Clemens is returning to the Astros -- with the highest salary for a pitcher in baseball history.

The seven-time Cy Young Award winner and the Astros today announced a one-year, $18-million contract for Clemens in his 22nd major league season.

Clemens told a news conference that he'll "take a deep breath -- and here we go again."

Clemens, who's 42, helped lead the Astros within one win of their first World Series appearance during the 2004 season.

Clemens says now he gets to return and say "thank you" to teammates who helped him earn the Cy Young award -- and to the fans.

His deal beats the $17.5-million Pedro Martinez earned with the Boston Red Sox last year in the option year of his contract.