The starting rotation immediately looked better last Friday as the Astros announced that Roger Clemens, 18-game winner and 2004 NL Cy Young award winner, would be coming back to the Astros for the 2005 season. The contract was for $18 million. Clemens only made in the neighborhood of $6.25 million last season.
Clemens rejoins a rotation armed with Roy Oswalt, Andy Pettitte (who is still recovering from surgery), and Brandon Backe. The #5 spot on the staff is still up for grabs.
The rotation also got a new face Saturday as John Franco was signed to a one-year, $700,000 deal with Houston. The 44-year-old lefthander was 2-7 with a 5.28 ERA with the Mets in 2004, but figures to be playing a situational lefty role with the club this year. The Astros are hoping that at least one of their recent bullpen acquisitions - Franco and minor-league-signed Turk Wendell and Dave Burba - will be able to contribute to an otherwise young bullpen.
Pitchers and catchers report to Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee, FL on Thursday, February 17, with all players expected to be there by February 24.
