Houston cuts Clemens loose

DALLAS -- Roger Clemens came out of retirement two years ago and helped his hometown Houston Astros reach their first World Series.

Now that he's pondering his future again, they won't wait for his decision.

With Clemens uncertain whether he will pitch again or retire, the Astros declined to offer salary arbitration on Wednesday. The move means the seven-time Cy Young Award winner can't re-sign with then National League champions before May 1.

"We've had two great years, and they were special years," Astros general manager Tim Purpura said. "The fact of the matter is Roger's 43 years old. ... We're not talking about somebody in the middle of a great career. We're talking about somebody who's at the end of a great career."

Still, Purpura called it "one of the more gut-wrenching, difficult decisions" the Astros have had to make.

"We expected this because we talked a great deal about this," said Clemens' agent, Randy Hendricks. "It's no surprise."

The Astros didn't want to risk going to salary arbitration while they awaited his decision whether to play. Clemens still intends to pitch for the United States in March during the inaugural World Baseball Classic.

Clemens made $18 million this season, when he led the major leagues with a 1.87 ERA and went 13-8. He finished third in the National League Cy Young Award voting behind 20-game winners Chris Carpenter and Dontrelle Willis.

Houston's decision could lead to other teams trying to lure Clemens, such as the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, two of his former clubs.

"If anybody calls, we'll listen," Hendricks said.

He doesn't expect Clemens to make a call about pitching next season for at least a month.

"Nothing has changed about his plan to decide in late January, early February," Hendricks said, adding that Clemens' performance in the WBC could play a part in the decision.

While the Astros won't rule out the possibility of Clemens pitching for them from May 1 on, Purpura said "nobody should pin their hopes" on that happening.

The Astros have an escalating payroll. Pitchers Andy Pettitte and Roy Oswalt, Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio and Lance Berkman are scheduled to make about $65 million in 2006, up from about $45 million last year. Purpura said another $10 million to $15 million will go to players eligible for salary arbitration, including closer Brad Lidge and cleanup hitter Morgan Ensberg.

Rangers to deal Soriano

the Texas Rangers reaching a tentative deal to send All-Star second baseman Alfonso Soriano to the Washington Nationals for outfielders Brad Wilkerson and Terrmel Sledge plus minor league pitcher Armando Galarraga. The deal is subject to the players passing physicals.

ChiSox, Thomas part ways

The Chicago White Sox cut ties with slugger Frank Thomas, refusing Wednesday to offer salary arbitration to the two-time American League MVP.

The World Series champions also declined to offer arbitration to designated hitter Carl Everett and backup catcher Raul Casanova. Players who became free agents and weren't offered arbitration can't re-sign with their former clubs until May 1.

Chicago's decision to let Thomas go was not a surprise. The White Sox re-signed first baseman Paul Konerko, agreeing last week to a $60 million, five-year contract, and acquired Jim Thome, who figures to become the designated hitter, in a swap with Philadelphia for center fielder Aaron Rowand.

Cubs acquire Pierre

There were six trades on the third day of the winter meetings, the most notable involving the payroll-paring Florida Marlins. Center fielder Juan Pierre was the latest to join the migration, going to the Chicago Cubs for right-hander Sergio Mitre and two minor league pitchers.

Pierre followed Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell, Guillermo Mota, Carlos Delgado, Luis Castillo and Paul Lo Duca out of Florida, which has cut about $45 million of payroll since the end of the season.

Mabry deal finalized

John Mabry agreed Wednesday to a one-year contract with the Cubs worth $1,075,000.

Mabry, 35, batted .240 with 24 extra-base hits and 32 RBIs in 112 games for the St. Louis Cardinals last season.

"I feel great," Mabry said, "excited to join the Cubs and excited about changes they're making, excited about being in the Central and challenging for the Central division title."

Braves deal Kolb to Brewers

Atlanta sent failed closer Dan Kolb back from whence he came. The Braves, who acquired him from Milwaukee during last year's winter meetings, dealt him to the Brewers for pitcher Wes Obermueller. In another deal, Braves catcher Johnny Estrada went to Arizona for pitchers Lance Cormier and Oscar Villarreal.

Pirates make two trades

Pittsburgh traded its second left-handed starting pitcher in two days, sending Mark Redman to Kansas City for pitcher Jonah Bayliss and a player to be named.

The Pirates wanted to trim some payroll after picking up first baseman Sean Casey and his $8.5 million salary from the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday for lefty Dave Williams, a deal that still isn't finalized.

Padres trade Burroughs

San Diego dealt third baseman Sean Burroughs to Tampa Bay for pitcher Dewon Brazelton, and second baseman Mark Loretta to Boston for catcher Doug Mirabelli.

Renteria may be dealt

Progress was being made in a proposed three-way trade that would send shortstop Edgar Renteria from Boston to Atlanta, shortstop Julio Lugo from Tampa Bay to Boston and third base prospect Andy Marte to Tampa Bay.

Hoffman re-signs

Closer Trevor Hoffman decided to accept a $13.5 million, two-year deal to stay with the Padres.