Clemens considering Astros' invitation to appear at pitching camp

HOUSTON (AP) - Roger Clemens is deciding whether to accept an invitation to appear at a Houston Astros pitching camp next week.

``He knows he is welcome and appreciates the Astros standing by him,'' Clemens' agent, Randy Hendricks, wrote Tuesday in an e-mail to The Associated Press. ``He would love to be with the kids, but doesn't want to be a distraction. He will decide later what to do.''

The Nolan Ryan Elite Pitching Camp and Jeff Bagwell Elite Hitting Camp begin Monday at Minute Maid Park. In previous years, Clemens has helped out at the pitching camp.

Astros spokesman Jimmy Stanton declined to comment.

Clemens pitched for his hometown Astros from 2004-06, winning the 2004 NL Cy Young Award.

In last month's Mitchell Report on performance-enhancing drugs in baseball, Clemens' former trainer, Brian McNamee, said he injected the pitcher with steroids and human growth hormone in 1998, 2000 and 2001, accusations the seven-time Cy Young Award winner has denied.

Clemens' lawyer has said he will appear before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee at a Feb. 13 hearing on steroids in baseball. Clemens was asked to speak Saturday to committee staff, one of five depositions or transcribed interviews scheduled by the committee before the hearing next month.

Clemens has often said how much he enjoyed tutoring young Astros prospects during his time in Houston.

FanNation.com via AP