HOUSTON ASTROS

2005 finish: 89-73, 2^nd place in NL Central, wildcard

Manager: Phil Garner (3^rd season)

Free agents: RHP Roger Clemens, C Brad Ausmus, RHP Russ Springer, IF Jose Vizcaino, OF Orlando Palmeiro

On the block: None

Looking for: A starting pitcher if Roger Clemens retires. Offense from either first base or a corner outfield spot, relievers

What’s going on: The big roster question marks are Roger Clemens and Jeff Bagwell. Clemens hasn’t given an indication on playing or retiring. He is a big chunk of the budget, which already has $63 million committed to five players (Andy Pettitte $17.5 million, Bagwell $16 million, Lance Berkman $14.5 million, Roy Oswalt $11 million, Craig Biggio $4 million). Lose Clemens, and the Astros lose an icon. But they would gain $18 million to get another top-quality starting pitcher, plus another much-needed bat. Bagwell will continue to rehab his shoulder in hopes of being an everyday first baseman again. The club also wants to re-sign Brad Ausmus, and probably will do so. Arbitration-eligibles Morgan Ensberg and Brad Lidge could be locked up with long-term deals for big raises over their 2005 salaries. Lefty Scott Eyre is one free-agent reliever possibility. Manager Phil Garner received a one-year contract extension, and is signed through 2007. Role players Orlando Palmeiro and Jose Vizcaino are expected to return.

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