Amy Sancetta / AP file

The Houston Astros asked earlier this month to talk to the agent for Roger Clemens to discuss a new contract that could bring him back for a third season.

updated 2:57 a.m. ET May 10, 2006

HOUSTON - Roger Clemens says he's not getting the itch to play baseball yet, but he says he thinks his family is warming up to the idea.

The Houston Astros asked earlier this month to talk to the agent for the seven-time Cy Young winner to discuss a new contract that could bring him back for a third season. Other teams also have expressed interest in the 43-year-old free agent. Clemens is considering retirement.

"I'm listening to what the [agents Alan and Randy] Hendricks have to say," Clemens told Houston television station KRIV on Tuesday. He said the agents meet with him about once a week to give him updates. "I am going to have to make a decision if I want to play this year fairly soon."

Clemens said, "I can tell you the latest is probably the family is warming up to it again. Even my two little ones, who did not want Dad to go out there, are talking about it again, which I knew that would happen once they were seeing all my friends out there playing with Houston."

Clemens said that while he might not be "too far away" physically to playing again "mentally I'm nowhere close."

The pitcher, wearing an Astros jersey, spoke to students at an annual musical scores outreach program in The Woodlands. He told the middle school students that he still goes to class to learn about opposing teams.

More news

H. Rumph Jr / AP

Hamels all business vs. Nats

Cole Hamels pitched eight scoreless innings, finishing up by retiring Bryce Harper on a grounder as the Philadelphia Phillies snapped a season-long four-game losing streak Wednesday night with a 3-1 victory over the Washington Nationals.

A-Rod powers Yankees with pair of homers

NEW YORK (AP) - Alex Rodriguez gave Will Smith a rude welcome to the major leagues Wednesday night, hitting two homers off the rookie to back another strong start for Andy Pettitte and lead the New York Yankees over the Kansas City Royals 8-3.

Headlines

• Label

D-backs end Dodgers' 6-game win streak

M's Liddi first Italian to hit grand slam in half-century

Mailbag: Harper, Trout have superstar potential

HBT Extra: Milestone magic ... or not?

HBT: Have Angels found closer? Frieri stops A's

Red Sox top O's, climb back to .500

HBT: Selig says little pressure for more replay

Segui could be reluctant witness against Clemens