Astros reconsidering Clemens' participation in mini-camp

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Astros reconsidering Clemens' participation in mini-camp

Roger Clemens' participation in the upcoming Astros' mini-camp at Minute Maid Park is in limbo because of the possible distractions his appearance could bring.

Clemens, embroiled in a controversy over allegations of steroid use in the Mitchell Report, has assisted the Astros during the first four years of the camp, but the club has yet to decide whether he'll be involved this year.

The Nolan Ryan Elite Pitching Camp and Jeff Bagwell Elite Hitting Camp will be held Jan. 28-31, with 25 major league and minor players working out at Minute Maid Park. Clemens' oldest son, Koby, is a catcher in the Astros' system and will be at the camp.

Astros assistant general manager Ricky Bennett, who organizes the camp, said the presence of Clemens and the media frenzy that would follow could create a distraction.

"My initial thought is if he does come, all the focus is going to be on Roger," he said. "It will be worldwide news. We want the focus on the players we have and what we're doing. I'm going to have to sit down with ownership and (general manager) Ed (Wade) and (president of baseball operations) Tal (Smith) and talk about it."

Clemens was accused of steroid use by former trainer Brian McNamee in the Mitchell Report, which was released Dec. 13. Clemens has denied the allegations and has filed a defamation suit against McNamee. He has been asked to testify before Congress next month.

Clemens has a 10-year personal services contract with the Astros that will begin when the officially retires, but Clemens has left the door open to return next year.

"I'm sure at some point in the next few days we'll sit down with (owner) Drayton (McLane) and Tal and Ed and talk about it," Bennett said. "In years past, he's shot me an e-mail and asked what time to be there, but I don't know this year."

Clemens is scheduled to speak today at the annual convention of the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association in Waco to talk about his training regimen.