Clemens among 7 to file for free agency

NEW YORK -- Roger Clemens was among the final seven players to file for free agency Thursday night.

The seven-time Cy Young Award winner, who has spent the last two seasons with the Houston Astros, hasn't said whether he plans to pitch in 2006.

He went 18-4 for the Astros in 2004, winning his last Cy Young Award, then became a free agent and re-signed with Houston for $18,000,022 -- the final $22 matching his uniform number. The 43-year-old right-hander was 13-8 with a major league-best 1.87 ERA this season, helping the Astros reach the World Series for the first time.

Also filing on the final day were Boston first baseman John Olerud, Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Tim Salmon, Houston pitcher Russ Springer, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Wilson Alvarez and New York Mets pitchers Felix Heredia and Shingo Takatsu.

Heredia filed provisionally, pending a decision by the team on his $2.5 million 2006 option, which must be exercised by Tuesday and carries a $200,000 buyout. He is suspended for the first 10 days of next season after testing positive for a steroid.

Alvarez also filed provisionally, pending his reinstatement from the voluntary retired list.

While Takatsu does not have six years of major league service, a provision in his contract allowed him to file for free agency, the players' association said.

The 183 players who filed for free agency since the end of the World Series can start negotiating money with all teams starting Friday.