New York -- Roger Clemens broke his silence Tuesday, again denying that former personal trainer Brian McNamee injected him with performance-enhancing drugs in his first public comments in more than a year.

WASHINGTON—All-Star shortstop Miguel Tejada has been charged with lying to Congress about steroids. Tejada is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday where he is expected to plead guilty.

The charges against Tejada, who currently plays for the Houston Astros, were outlined in documents filed in Washington federal court on Tuesday.

The documents indicate that a plea agreement has been reached with Tejada.

Messages left for his attorney, Mark Tuohey, were not immediately returned.

The documents were filed a day after superstar Alex Rodriguez admitted to past use of performance-enhancing drugs.

The FBI also is investigating whether Roger Clemens, a seven-time Cy Young winner, lied to Congress last year when he denied using steroids or human growth hormone.

In the documents filed Tuesday, Tejada is charged with lying to investigators for the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in 2005 when he denied knowledge of an ex-teammate's use of performance-enhancing drugs.

The teammate is not identified in court documents, but is referred to as having played with Tejada on the Oakland Athletics.

Tejada"unlawfully withheld pertinent information from the committee because defendant Tejada, before and during his interview with the committee staff, then and there well knew that player‥1, one of his teammates on the Oakland Athletics, had used steroids and HGH,"the papers state.

In fact, prosecutors charge, during spring training in 2003, Tejada had purchased a substance believed to be HGH from the player.

The charges are contained in a six-page criminal information, a legal document used often when a defendant has struck a plea deal with prosecutors.

The criminal information charges Tejada with making misrepresentations to Congress.

Roger Clemens, leaveing after meeting with the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee on Capitol HiL. McNamee arrived Friday Jan. 16, 2009 at the U.S. Attorney's office in Washington to meet with federal prosecutors building a case against the seven-time Cy Young Award winner. " align="left" border="0">

The country's leading doping lab is testing syringes and vials Roger Clemens' former personal trainer gave federal investigators to determine whether the items contain traces of performance-enhancing drugs, a person close to the case told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is still ongoing into whether Clemens lied under oath to Congress last...

Roger Clemens, leaveing after meeting with the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee on Capitol HiL. McNamee arrived Friday Jan. 16, 2009 at the U.S. Attorney's office in Washington to meet with federal prosecutors building a case against the seven-time Cy Young Award winner. " align="left" border="0">

The prosecutor seeking an indictment of Roger Clemens got his first chance to question the former baseball star's chief antagonist, personal trainer Brian McNamee, during a five-hour session Friday that included FBI investigators. McNamee has told federal agents, baseball investigator George Mitchell and a House of Representatives committee that he injected Clemens more than a dozen times with...

New York Yankees baseball pitcher Roger Clemens being sworn-in on Capitol Hill in Washington, prior to testifying before the House Oversight, and Government Reform committee hearing on drug use in baseball. " align="left" border="0">

Connecting the dots in the case against Roger Clemens, prosecutors brought convicted steroids dealer Kirk Radomski to the grand jury Thursday, a day before they're to meet with Brian McNamee, who says he injected the seven-time Cy Young Award winner with performance-enhancing drugs. A federal grand jury has been asked to determine whether Clemens should be indicted on charges of lying to Congress...

New York Yankees baseball pitcher Roger Clemens being sworn-in on Capitol Hill in Washington, prior to testifying before the House Oversight, and Government Reform committee hearing on drug use in baseball. " align="left" border="0">

Nearly a year after Roger Clemens told Congress he did not use performance-enhancing drugs, a federal grand jury is being asked to determine whether he should be indicted on charges of lying under oath. The grand-jury probe was confirmed to The Associated Press on Monday by two people who were briefed on the matter.

NEW YORK—Roger Clemens'former trainer gave samples of his DNA to federal investigators trying to ascertain whether the star pitcher committed perjury before Congress, two New York newspapers reported.

The request for a DNA sample from trainer Brian McNamee suggests that investigators found readable DNA on the syringes, needles and gauze pads McNamee turned over to federal prosecutors in January,The New York TimesandDaily Newsreported Monday night.

McNamee's lawyers have said the items, when tested, would link Clemens to the use of performance-enhancing drugs. They claim McNamee used those needles and a gauze pad while injecting Clemens with steroids and human growth hormone.

Investigators must determine whose DNA is on that material if it is going to be important to the probe. It's not clear whether federal authorities have a sample of DNA from Clemens, The Times said. His lawyer, Rusty Hardin, would not divulge that information.

"As I have said from the beginning, we are willing to cooperate with any aspect of the government's investigation,"The Times quoted Hardin as saying Monday.

In the Mitchell Report on doping in baseball, McNamee said he injected Clemens more than a dozen times with steroids and HGH in 1998, 2000 and 2001. Clemens has repeatedly denied those accusations, including during testimony before Congress.

Clemens also filed a defamation lawsuit against McNamee.

Citing a pair of unidentified people familiar with the matter, The Times reported on its Web site Monday night and in Tuesday editions that McNamee provided DNA samples to federal investigators.

The Times said the two people familiar with the probe spoke on condition of anonymity because they didn't want to"jeopardize their access to sensitive information."

The Daily News reported on its Web site Monday night and in Tuesday editions that FBI agents visited McNamee in New York on Sept. 11 to collect swabs from the inside of his cheek. The Daily News said investigators also took DNA samples from McNamee's three attorneys: Richard Emery, Earl Ward and Debbie Greenberger.

The lawyers handled the medical waste in question last winter and took photos before giving it to investigators, the Daily News said.

"I'm not saying one way or another whether that happened,"Emery said Tuesday.

Emery also said that Matthew Parrella, who in his role as an assistant U.S. attorney interviewed McNamee, was working on a statement to be submitted by Dec. 18 in Clemens'defamation suit against McNamee. The trainer's lawyers say because McNamee did not volunteer information about Clemens but was"coerced"into giving it under threat of prosecution, his statements are"immune from any defamation."

"They're preparing a statement,"Emery said."He has to get permission for that to happen."

Hardin did not return a call seeking comment Tuesday.

Roger Clemens and dozens of other players, led to a toughened agreement between players and owners and left the impression in the minds of many that clubhouses were a supermarket of performance-enhancers. " align="left" border="0">

Nearly one year later, George Mitchell wouldn't change a word of his report. His investigation of drugs in baseball tarnished the reputation of Roger Clemens and dozens of other players, led to a toughened drug agreement and created an impression that clubhouses were teeming with performance-enhancers.

New York Yankees baseball pitcher Roger Clemens testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, before the House Oversight, and Government Reform committee hearing on drug use in baseball. Admitted steroid distributor Kirk Radomski handed over shipping receipts to federal investigators for a package of human growth hormone that he sent to Roger Clemens' home in Texas in 2002 or 2003, The Daily News reported on its Web site. " align="left" border="0">

Convicted steroid dealer Kirk Radomski looked under his television last weekend and found overnight mail slips from packages he claims were used to send human growth hormone to Roger Clemens' house, according to the lawyer for Brian McNamee. Clemens sued McNamee, his former trainer, for defamation this year after McNamee claimed the seven-time Cy Young Award winner used steroids and human growth...

Tampa Bay declined outfielder Rocco Baldelli's $6 million option for 2009 and bought out the final three years of his contract for $4 million. Baldelli, 26, has been sidelined since last May because of lingering hamstring problems and what doctors have told him and the Rays is mitochondrial disorder, a condition that causes extreme fatigue.

Rays lock up two others:Tampa Bay picked up outfielder Carl Crawford's $8.25 million option for 2009 and agreed to a $10.5 million, three-year deal with reliever Dan Wheeler. Wheeler will earn $2.8 million this season, $3.2 million in 2009 and $3.5 million in 2010. The 2011 option is for $4 million with a $1 million buyout.

Beckett getting closer:Josh Beckett completed what should be his final step toward returning to the Boston Red Sox rotation. Slowed by back spasms this spring, Beckett pitched five innings in an intrasquad game in Fort Myers, Fla., and manager Terry Francona hopes to start his ace right-hander Sunday at Toronto.

An obstructed view?Nothing obstructed the view of Wrigley Field on Monday from a pair of rooftop clubs whose owner has refused to share 17 percent of his profits with the team. But if Tom Gramatis hasn't paid up by the time the Cubs return home April 15, team officials said obstructions will be installed.

Colon set to start:Former AL Cy Young Award winner Bartolo Colon will start Pawtucket's season opener Thursday as he tries to make it up the Red Sox.

Indians catcher day to day:All-Star Victor Martinez strained his left hamstring while running the bases in the second inning Monday but the Indians were vague about his injury on Tuesday, saying only that their best hitter was day to day with a mild strain.

Pettitte welcomed back:Andy Pettitte received a mostly warm welcome when he was introduced at the New York Yankees'opener after a tumultuous off-season in which he admitted to using human growth hormone and accused Roger Clemens of using HGH. Pettitte got mostly cheers when he came out of the dugout for his introduction but there was an undercurrent of boos.

Phillies sign reliever:Right-hander Rudy Seanez agreed to a contract with Philadelphia and will be in uniform for tonight's game against Washington.

Roger Clemens arrived at the Houston Astros'minor league clubhouse in Kissimmee, Fla., on Tuesday and walked straight to a fenced-in bullpen to greet his oldest son, Koby, a catcher in the Astros'system.

He snapped at a photographer who started clicking pictures.

"This isn't a zoo!"Clemens barked.

The seven-time Cy Young Award winner was calmer a few minutes later, but refused to answer questions about the Mitchell Report or a possible criminal investigation into his denials of steroid use.

"Everything's been said that needs to be said on that,"Clemens said."We're moving forward. It's baseball time."

Clemens thinks the public is tired of hearing about performance-enhancing drugs in the sport. He sure is.

"I think you ought to be asking baseball questions,"he said."I think it's time to move on and get on with baseball."

Clemens will pitch batting practice from Wednesday through Friday to minor leaguers. He arrived one day afterThe New York Timesreported a House committee had drafted a letter asking the Justice Department to look into whether Clemens committed perjury. Clemens has repeatedly denied that he used steroids or performance-enhancing drugs, allegations brought by former personal trainer Brian McNamee.

The committee has not yet made a decision whether to send a letter to Justice.

"I'm not commenting on any of that,"Clemens said."Everything's said that needs to be said on that topic."

Briefly

Giants:San Francisco probably will be without Omar Vizquel's sparkling defense at shortstop on Opening Day. Vizquel will have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee today and is expected to miss four to six weeks. The 11-time Gold Glove shortstop, who turns 41 in April, tested his knee Tuesday but said the pain was too much to handle.

Mets:Pedro Martinez will wait to see whether New York wants him back in 2009. Martinez is in the final season of his four-year, $53 million deal and eager to find out how his right shoulder holds up. He had major surgery on it in October 2006 and spent most of last year recovering. The 36-year-old Martinez said it's up to the Mets to talk to him about a new deal.

Reds:Shortstop Alex Gonzalez is expected to miss Cincinnati's first few spring training games with a sore knee.

Cubs:Mark DeRosa visited a Chicago cardiologist, and manager Lou Piniella said he expects the Cubs infielder back in camp next week. The Cubs issued no report on DeRosa's medical tests. He was hospitalized over the weekend after experiencing an irregular heartbeat.

Andy Pettitte repeated his apologies over and over again Monday, saying he had embarrassed himself and set a terrible example.

Whether he upset Roger Clemens is anyone's guess. They haven't spoken in more than a month, since Pettitte corroborated allegations of drug use against the seven-time Cy Young Award winner.

"Obviously it's put a strain, I think, on our friendship,"said Pettitte, who talked for almost an hour."I love him like a brother."

"I felt like I need to come out, be forward with this,"Pettitte said."Whatever circumstances or repercussions come with it, I'll take and I'll take like a man and I'll try to do my job."

Pettitte said he did not feel as if his accomplishments were tainted. He said he used HGH only because he felt pressure to pitch while injured."I didn't do it to try to get an edge on anyone. I didn't do it to try to get stronger or faster or throw harder. I did it because I was told that it might be able to help me,"he said.

Gagné also apologizes

Milwaukee closer Eric Gagné, identified as a user of human growth hormone in the Mitchell Report, also apologized, telling his new Milwaukee teammates he was sorry for"a distraction that shouldn't be taking place."Gagné said he feels"bad"for what his family and friends went through and lauded baseball for its efforts to clean the game up.

Selig still studying

Baseball commissioner Bud Selig is still reviewing cases of players accused of taking performance-enhancing drugs in the Mitchell Report. Selig initially hoped to complete his review by spring training. He declined to comment on the congressional hearing last week when Roger Clemens denied using performance-enhancing drugs.

Briefly

Red Sox:If Curt Schilling's shoulder rehabilitation fails, he knows his career could be over. The pitcher denied that he was hurt when he signed an $8 million contract last November. Speaking publicly for the first time about his preference for surgery, Schilling said he had to follow the team's insistence on rehab because he is under contract.

Blue Jays:Toronto center fielder Vernon Wells said his left shoulder is feeling close to"100 percent"after surgery last September. Wells, a graduate of Arlington Bowie, had surgery to remove a cyst and repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. The shoulder bothered him most of the season; he had 16 homers and 80 RBI.

Angels:Closer Francisco Rodriguez is going to arbitration and he's not happy. Rodriguez, 26, doesn't have a long-term contract and said he might leave after this year. He has a major-league leading 132 saves over the past three years.

Milwaukee Brewers starter and Fort Worth Trimble Tech grad Yovani Gallardo has torn cartilage in his left knee and is expected to miss the first four weeks of spring training.

Gallardo, 22, will return to Milwaukee today and have an arthroscopic procedure Tuesday. He then will return to the Brewers'camp to begin physical therapy.

A Brewers spokesman said Sunday the right-hander had discomfort a few days ago after a throwing session. His knee swelled up afterward.

Gallardo, was 9-5 with a 3.57 ERA in 20 games last season as a rookie, including 18 starts.

Pettitte's source named

Andy Pettitte's father obtained the human growth hormone he supplied his son from a trainer who attended high school with the New York Yankees pitcher.

Kelly Blair, who owns a gym in Pasadena -- just east of Houston -- was the source of the substance, the New YorkDaily Newsreported Sunday.

Pettitte is due to report to Yankees camp today and planned to make his first public comments since telling a congressional committee that Roger Clemens had spoken with him about using performance-enhancing drugs.

Prior pain free

Mark Prior didn't experience any pain in his surgically repaired right shoulder during his first spring training workout with the San Diego Padres on Saturday.

Prior hasn't pitched in the major leagues since Aug. 10, 2006. The right-hander had shoulder surgery last season and isn't expected back until mid-May or possibly June.

Prior signed a one-year deal with the Padres on Dec. 26 after spending six seasons with the Cubs.

Johnson impresses

Arizona manager Bob Melvin said he was impressed with Randy Johnson's first workout Sunday.

The 44-year-old lefty threw 27 pitches off the mound, six months after he underwent his second back surgery in less than a year.

Roger Clemens'lips were pressed together tight, the corners turned slightly upward, his mouth pulled wide."There's only one interpretation,"said Dan Hill, an expert in analyzing facial expressions,"and that's fear."So was he lying? No, it could be the fear of the ramifications of"being unfairly"accused. Or,"he also could be lying."Accuser Brian McNamee didn't look as if he was"broken or wavering or nervous,"Hill said.

Roger Clemens was told he didn't sound believable. Brian McNamee was branded a "drug dealer" and reminded of past lies. With Congress apparently split over which man's version of events is true, it could be up to the Justice Department to decide. Clemens and McNamee, the accused and his accuser, traded contradictory stories under oath Wednesday before the House Committee on Oversight and Government...

WASHINGTON -- Roger Clemens and his accuser, Brian McNamee, will be the main witnesses at a House hearing on the Mitchell Report after New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte and two others were dropped Monday night.

Former Clemens teammate Chuck Knoblauch and convicted steroids distributor Kirk Radomski also were taken off the witness list for Wednesday's public session. One new witness was added Monday night: a lawyer who worked with former Senate majority leader George Mitchell to produce December's report on drugs in baseball.

But all attention will be focused on Clemens, a seven-time Cy Young Award winner, and McNamee, his former personal trainer, who alleged he injected the pitcher with performance-enhancing drugs.

"I guess it's showtime, isn't it?"Clemens'lead lawyer, Rusty Hardin, said in a telephone interview.

Earl Ward, McNamee's lead lawyer, declined to comment on the changes.

McNamee said in the Mitchell Report that he injected Clemens—who ranks eighth in major league history with 354 wins—with steroids and human growth hormone at least 16 times in 1998, 2000 and 2001. Clemens'denials of those allegations drew the attention of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

McNamee also accused Pettitte of using HGH—Pettitte acknowledged he did so for two days in 2002 to deal with an elbow injury. Before Pettitte spoke to committee lawyers under oath last week, Ward said he thought Pettitte would tell Congress he discussed HGH with Clemens between the 2001 and 2002 seasons.

With Monday's decision, Pettitte was spared the potentially difficult situation of having to deliver public testimony that could hurt the position of Clemens, a friend, past teammate and former workout partner. Portions of Pettitte's sworn deposition, though, may be read aloud at the hearing. And the committee's ranking Republican, Tom Davis of Virginia, said in an interview with Newsday that Pettitte's account matches McNamee's in most details.

Radomski—sentenced Friday to five years'probation after pleading guilty in April to distributing steroids and money laundering—has said he had no direct contact with Clemens. Knoblauch's knowledge appeared to be peripheral.

Pettitte gave his deposition last Monday, followed the next day by Clemens, and McNamee later in the week. Knoblauch, a four-time All-Star who played on the Yankees with Clemens and Pettitte and like them was named in the Mitchell Report, was interviewed by committee staff last month. Radomski had been scheduled for a pre-hearing interview with committee staff Tuesday.

All five originally were invited to testify Wednesday.

"Mr. Knoblauch and Mr. Pettitte answered all the Committee's questions and their testimony at the hearing is not needed,"Davis and committee chairman Henry Waxman said in a statement."Mr. Clemens and Mr. McNamee have also cooperated with the Committee in its investigation."

Following Pettitte's deposition, his lawyers asked the committee to excuse him from the hearing, a person familiar with the talks said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the negotiations weren't made public.

Pettitte's request to be excused was first reported byThe New York Timeson its Web site.

Pettitte's attorney, Jay Reisinger, declined to comment after the announcement, while a lawyer for Radomski did not immediately return a phone message left at his office Monday night.

"I'm not disappointed,"said Knoblauch's attorney, Diana Marshall."I know Chuck is not disappointed."

The new witness is Charles Scheeler, a partner with Mitchell's law firm, DLA Piper. According to the firm's Web site, Scheeler mainly works in commercial litigation and white collar criminal defense.

Asked about Scheeler's addition, Hardin said:"It's interesting. I look forward to hearing what he has to say."

Clemens'camp disputes several elements of the Mitchell Report's sections about him. Clemens said he repeated under oath during his closed-door deposition what he previously had said in various settings publicly:"I've never used steroids or growth hormone."

If the committee believes Clemens or McNamee made false statements under oath, it could ask the Justice Department to open an investigation. This is the same House panel that—after the Mitchell Report came out—asked Justice to look into whether 2002 AL MVP Miguel Tejada lied when he told committee investigators in 2005 that he never took performance enhancers and had no knowledge of other players using or talking about steroids. The FBI's field office in Washington is handling that inquiry.

Now this much is undeniable: Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee will be the focus of Wednesday's congressional hearing about the Mitchell Report. "I guess it's showtime, isn't it?" said Clemens' lead lawyer, Rusty Hardin. Clemens, the accused, and McNamee, his accuser, will be the main witnesses at the public hearing after the New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte and two others were dropped Monday...

Roger Clemens and his wife Debbie arrive at the grand opening of the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas in this Nov. 16, 2007 file photo. " align="left" border="0">

A lawyer for Brian McNamee believes the Justice Department will open a criminal investigation into Roger Clemens' denials of doping. Meantime, the chairman of a congressional committee said comments attributed to one of the pitcher's lawyers could be interpreted as trying to intimidate a federal law enforcement official.

Brian McNamee told congressional investigators he injected Roger Clemens'wife with human growth hormone as she prepared for aSports Illustratedswimsuit edition photo session five years ago, theNew York Daily Newsreported Friday.

McNamee testified during his Capitol Hill deposition on Thursday that he injected Debbie Clemens at her husband's direction, theNewssaid on its Web site, citing an unidentified Washington source. Clemens'lawyers did not directly address the accusation when asked. The pitcher was in Washington to meet with congressmen for a second consecutive day.

"It's pretty clear now who this guy really is,"Rusty Hardin, Clemens'lead lawyer, said of McNamee."This guy never ceases to amaze me."

McNamee told baseball investigator George Mitchell that he injected Clemens at least 16 times with steroids and HGH in 1998, 2000 and 2001, charges the seven-time Cy Young Award winner repeatedly has denied. Clemens and McNamee are set to testify Wednesday.

"Did Roger get the Cy Young'cause his wife took the HGH?"said Lanny Breuer, another lawyer for Clemens.

McNamee's lawyers called on Clemens to provide a DNA sample. Asked about that, Hardin said the pitcher would comply with any request of that type from a federal authority.

"But they're going to have to come to us,"Hardin said.

Radomski sentenced

Former New York Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk Radomski avoided jail and was sentenced to five years'probation after cooperating with baseball's investigation into the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Radomski was ordered by U.S. District Court Judge Susan Illston to pay an $18,575 fine after he admitted selling steroids, HGH and speed to current and former major leaguers.

Doctor, Red Sox at odds

The doctor who claims he knows Curt Schilling's shoulder"better than anybody who breathes on this planet"insists surgery is the only way the 20-year veteran can pitch again.

But Boston's team physician disagrees. He believes rehabilitation is the best way for Schilling to play this year.

"I think his chance of coming back to pitching with rehab or a conservative approach is zero,"Dr. Craig Morgan said."He might not come back after surgery, either. However, if the surgery is successful, he should be fully rehabbed by about All-Star break."

Briefly

Bedard finally a Mariner:Left-hander Erik Bedard was acquired by the Seattle Mariners from the Baltimore Orioles in a long-delayed trade for five prospects. Baltimore received outfielder Adam Jones, who probably will start in center field in Opening Day. The Orioles also obtained reliever George Sherrill and pitchers Chris Tillman, Tony Butler and Kam Mickolio.

Indians:Pitcher Scott Elarton agreed to a minor league contract with Cleveland. He was 14-14 in 52 starts with the Indians in 2004 and'05. He has a 56-60 career record with a 5.31 ERA.

Brewers:Manager Ned Yost's 2009 option was exercised by Milwaukee following its first winning season in 15 years.

Roger Clemens'accuser, Brian McNamee, gave a seven-hour deposition behind closed doors Thursday, and the trainer's lawyers presented photographs of evidence they said prove the star pitcher was injected with steroids.

One photo shows a beer can that Richard Emery, one of McNamee's attorneys, said was taken out of a trash can in Clemens'New York apartment in 2001. Emery said the can contained needles used to inject Clemens. That picture also shows what Emery said was gauze used to wipe blood off Clemens after a shot.

The other picture shows vials of what Emery said were testosterone and needles -- items the attorney said Clemens gave to McNamee for safekeeping at the end of the 2002 baseball season.

Clemens'repeated denials of McNamee's allegations about drug use drew Congress'attention. Clemens spoke under oath to the committee Tuesday -- the first time he addressed the allegations under oath, and therefore the first time he put himself at legal risk if he were to make false statements.

A public hearing is set Wednesday, when Clemens, McNamee and other witnesses, including Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte, are to testify.

McNamee's attorneys said their client turned over physical evidence to a federal prosecutor for the Northern District of California last month.

Schilling injured?

Curt Schilling has what is believed to be a partial tear of his rotator cuff in his right shoulder, and the pitcher has been squabbling with the Boston Red Sox over whether he should have surgery that could cost him the season or try something less drastic.

Writing on his blog, 38pitches.com, Schilling said Thursday he has agreed to abide by the club's request to rely on rest and rehabilitation, despite the recommendation of the doctor who operated on the shoulder in 1995.

The Boston Globereported that even without surgery Schilling would be out until at least the All-Star break.

Schilling, 41, who spent seven weeks on the disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis last year, went 9-8 with a 3.87 ERA during the regular season. In the playoffs, he went 3-0 with a 3.00 ERA to help Boston win its second World Series in four seasons.

He agreed in November to a one-year, $8 million contract that allows him to earn an addition $5 million in performance and weight bonuses.

Steinbrenner Field?

Tampa officials have given their blessing to rename Legends Field in honor of New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.

Not that they needed to approve the idea, Tampa councilman Charlie Miranda noted Thursday after the council voted unanimously to encourage the christening.

Miranda expects the Yankees to make the change on Feb. 29 at a spring training game against South Florida.

Briefly

Yankees:The new Yankee Stadium, set to be ready for the 2009 season, will have party suites, a members-only restaurant, a martini bar and a price tag to match -- $1.3 billion, up from the original estimate of $1 billion.

Padres:Tony Clark and San Diego are discussing a one-year deal that could bring the big first baseman back to the city where he played high school and college ball.

Brian McNamee gave federal prosecutors syringes and other physical evidence his lawyers say back the personal trainer's allegations of drug use by Roger Clemens, who returns to Capitol Hill today in hopes of rebutting the accusations.

Clemens is scheduled to hold one-on-one meetings with members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, two people familiar with the plans told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcement was made.

McNamee is due to meet with committee staff this morning to give his own deposition, and his legal team said it will bolster his story with details of the evidence.

His side turned over gauze pads and syringes they said had Clemens'blood to IRS Special Agent Jeff Novitzky in early January, a person familiar with the evidence said, speaking on condition of anonymity because McNamee's lawyers did not want to publicly discuss details. The syringes were used to inject Clemens with steroids and human growth hormone, the person said. A second person, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said the evidence was from 2000 and 2001.

"I think this is a significant point in the case. We believe that this is significant corroboration,"said McNamee's lead lawyer, Earl Ward.

Lanny Breuer, one of Clemens'lawyers, called McNamee's allegations"desperate smears"and said the trainer"apparently has manufactured evidence."

"It is just not credible,"Breuer said in a statement."Who in their right mind does such a thing?"

In December's Mitchell Report on doping in baseball, McNamee said he injected Clemens 16 times with performance-enhancing drugs in 1998, 2000 and 2001.

Richard Emery, another of McNamee's lawyers, said the committee will be given a description of the evidence.

Briefly

Angels:Kelvim Escobar, an 18-game winner for the Los Angeles Angels last season, has a sore shoulder that will limit him in spring training.

Diamondbacks:Brandon Lyon was picked to replace Jose Valverde as the team's closer.

Rays:Relief pitcher Trever Miller agreed to a $2 million, one-year contract.

Indians:Reliever Brendan Donnelly, alleged in the Mitchell Report to have purchased steroids, agreed to a minor league contract.

“The Ryan Express is coming to town.”

—Rangers owner Tom Hicks

“I think this is a key moment in our history and the Rangers are very fortunate Nolan wants to be here.”

—Hicks

“It’s going to be something that’s entirely new for me but I’m looking forward to it. The nucleus is here to have a very good ballclub and be competitive.”

—new Rangers president Nolan Ryan

“I think the opportunity for me, as we go forward, to be able to solicit Nolan’s opinions on baseball matters with what he’s accomplished in the game can only be a good thing. I’ve talked to our staff and our guys are excited to get going.”

—Rangers general manager Jon Daniels

“I think it’s a great move. It shows the direction the organization wants to go in. Nolan brings a lot of credibility and a lot of experience and a lot of dignity, not that it was lacking that. Anytime you’ve got Nolan Ryan involved, it adds something special.”

—former Rangers infielder Mark McLemore

“For the organization as a whole, when Jim Sundberg decided he wanted to work full time, that’s a huge plus for the Rangers. Now that you add Nolan to Jim, with everything else, the work ethic, the credibility they have, the knowledge they bring to the organization, it’s hard to remember a time where you felt better about the Rangers.”

—Tom Grieve, broadcaster and former Rangers player and general manager

“I will welcome his input on anything. I don’t think anyone would turn down Nolan Ryan’s knowledge on anything that has to do with baseball. We’re certainly looking forward to working with him.”

—Rangers manager Ron Washington

“I had 10 years as a player at the major-league level, and I never faced Nolan. He’s lucky.”

—Washington, who also never faced Roger Clemens

“His work will bring people out to the ballpark. He’s had business success in baseball. Round Rock is the best-promoted, best-run franchise. He obviously knows what he’s doing.

—Rangers reliever C.J. Wilson

“I congratulate the Texas Rangers on their decision to hire Nolan Ryan as the new team president. The drive and determination that helped make Nolan a Hall of Famer has been just as evident in his business ventures since his retirement. He cares very deeply about Major League Baseball, and this is a wonderful leadership opportunity for one of the icons of our game.”

—Commissioner Bud Selig

Roger Clemens said he told Congress exactly what he's been saying, over and over again, in various settings, ever since the Mitchell Report came out. This time, though, the seven-time Cy Young Award winner was speaking under oath. Wearing a pinstriped gray suit instead of a pinstriped New York Yankees uniform, Clemens delivered his most meaningful denial of drug use yet Tuesday, meeting behind...

Not one of Roger Clemens'flat-out denials about using steroids or human growth hormones was delivered while he spoke under oath. Now he gets that chance.

The seven-time Cy Young Award winner is scheduled to give a deposition to lawyers from a congressional committee behind closed doors today in Washington, one day after his former New York Yankees teammate and workout partner Andy Pettitte delivered sworn testimony for about 2 1/2 hours.

Both pitchers'private interviews with staff members from the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee are part of preparation for a Feb. 13 hearing. That public session is expected to focus on allegations made in the Mitchell Report by trainer Brian McNamee that he injected Clemens more than a dozen times with performance enhancers.

"Roger is not going to take the Fifth Amendment,"one of Clemens'lawyers, Rusty Hardin, said in a statement."He is going to answer the committee's questions truthfully under oath."

McNamee is to appear Thursday. One of his lawyers, Earl Ward, said no decision had been made on whether he would submit to a deposition or transcribed interview.

Pettitte, who chose to be deposed, did not take questions from reporters afterward as he walked from committee offices to an elevator in the Rayburn House Office Building. He was accompanied by his wife and three lawyers.

Rangers to deal pitcher

A source said that right-hander Armando Galarraga, who was designated for assignment by the Rangers on Jan. 25 to clear roster room for Jason Jennings, will be dealt to the Detroit Tigers today.

The details of the trade are not clear.

Galarraga is the last remaining player the Rangers received when they traded Alfonso Soriano to the Nationals in December 2005. That deal also included Brad Wilkerson and Terrmel Sledge.

-- Jeff Wilson

Briefly

Cardinals:Juan Gonzalez, who hasn't played regularly in the majors since the 2003 season with the Rangers, will be one of 26 non-roster players invited to spring training. Albert Pujols has been working out with Gonzalez, 38, and pushed for the team to give him a shot.

Trade:Baltimore and Seattle reportedly have agreed to the deal that would send left-handed pitching ace Erik Bedard to the Mariners for five players, including young outfielder Adam Jones and reliever George Sherrill, pending physicals. Bedard, 28, is expected in Seattle perhaps as early as today.

Tigers:Curtis Granderson, emerging as one of the top center fielders in the game, agreed to a $30.25 million, five-year contract with Detroit that includes a club option for 2013 that could make the deal worth up to $43.25 million.

Chuck Knoblauch, followed by his wife Stacey, holds his two-year-old son Jake on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Feb. 1, 2008, following his deposition before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. (AP Photos/Susan Walsh)" align="left" border="0">

Andy Pettitte lent credence to the Mitchell Report by acknowledging he received two injections of human growth hormone from a personal trainer who worked with him and Roger Clemens. Now Pettitte will be asked to tell Congress what he knows. The New York Yankees pitcher was scheduled to be interviewed privately Monday by lawyers from the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, part of...

A lawyer for Andy Pettitte's former personal trainer said he believes the pitcher will tell Congress he discussed human growth hormone with Roger Clemens between the 2001 and 2002 seasons.

The lawyer, Earl Ward, said Pettitte talked about HGH with trainer Brian McNamee after a conversation with Clemens, who has denied that he used HGH or steroids.

Pettitte's meeting with a congressional committee investigating drug use in baseball was postponed from today until Monday.

McNamee said in last month's Mitchell Report he injected Clemens at least 16 times with steroids or HGH in 1998, 2000 and 2001. He said he injected Pettitte two to four times with HGH.

Pettitte admitted two days after the Mitchell Report was released that he tried HGH for two days in 2002 -- before it was banned.

Ward said the discussion he was referring to occurred at Clemens'house.

"Based on what we know, there was a situation where Andy was speaking to Roger in Brian's presence, then Andy came over to Brian and essentially said,'Why didn't you tell me about this stuff?'He referred to HGH,"Ward said."Brian discouraged him and then several months later, when he [Pettitte] got injured, he came back and asked Brian about it, and that's when Brian injected him. We believe that based on the fact that Andy came to Brian and asked him about HGH, it was Roger who told Andy about HGH and that's why he asked Brian about it."

With Roger Clemens a no-show at a Houston Astros mini-camp Monday, Koby Clemens spoke out in defense of his dad.

Roger Clemens was accused by his former trainer in last month's Mitchell Report of using steroids and human growth hormone in 1998, 2000 and 2001, allegations the seven-time Cy Young Award winner vehemently denies.

"It kills me that this is happening to my dad,"Koby Clemens, an Astros'prospect, said."What he's done for the game and what now is being turned back to him for what he's done for the game is tough. It's hard on me, but you can't imagine how hard it is on my dad."

Koby Clemens, the pitcher's oldest son, said the ordeal has made his family stronger and brought its members closer together.

Clemens is set to testify Feb. 13 before a House committee along with former teammates Andy Pettitte and Chuck Knoblauch, and Brian McNamee, the former personal trainer for Clemens and Pettitte. Clemens sued McNamee for defamation.

Clemens'agent released an 18,000-word, 49-page statistical report to refute allegations that his career improved about the time he was accused of using performance-enhancing drugs.

The pitcher has a personal-services contract with the Astros set to begin when he retires, and he helped last year at the mini-camp, which features Nolan Ryan and Jeff Bagwell.

Bedard deal stalls

Erik Bedard is still a member of the Baltimore Orioles, although there are signs the left-hander might soon be headed to the Seattle Mariners.

In an effort to rebuild an organization that has endured 10 consecutive losing seasons, Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail has been actively seeking to trade Bedard for prospects. He appears close to working out a deal with the Mariners, but insisted that a trade was not necessarily imminent. Orioles owner Peter Angelos, who hopes to sign Bedard to a long-term deal, is apparently the roadblock.

The Mariners have asked center fielder Adam Jones to leave his Venezuelan Winter League team and return to the United States. Jones, one of Seattle's top prospects, is supposedly the main player targeted by Baltimore in the trade.

Briefly

Red Sox:Boston obtained reliever David Aardsma from the Chicago White Sox for Willy Mota and Miguel Socolovich in a trade involving three right-handed pitchers.

Athletics:Jack Cust, coming off a breakout season with Oakland, denied allegations in the Mitchell Report that he admitted using steroids. According to the report, minor league teammate Larry Bigbie said Cust once admitted using steroids. Cust addressed the allegations for the first time and denied that he ever used steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs.

Phillies:Free-agent third baseman Pedro Feliz (.255, 11 home runs, 76 RBI in 2007) and Philadelphia agreed to an $8.5 million, two-year contract.

Nationals:Washington catcher Paul Lo Duca had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and is expected to be sidelined four to six weeks. The operation was to repair torn cartilage.

A lawyer for Andy Pettitte's former personal trainer said he believes the pitcher will tell Congress he discussed human growth hormone with Roger Clemens between the 2001 and 2002 seasons.

The lawyer, Earl Ward, said Pettitte talked about HGH with trainer Brian McNamee after a conversation with Clemens, who has denied that he used HGH or steroids.

Pettitte's meeting with a congressional committee investigating drug use in baseball was postponed from today until Monday.

McNamee said in last month's Mitchell Report he injected Clemens at least 16 times with steroids or HGH in 1998, 2000 and 2001. He said he injected Pettitte two to four times with HGH.

Pettitte admitted two days after the Mitchell Report was released that he tried HGH for two days in 2002 -- before it was banned.

Ward said the discussion he was referring to occurred at Clemens'house.

"Based on what we know, there was a situation where Andy was speaking to Roger in Brian's presence, then Andy came over to Brian and essentially said,'Why didn't you tell me about this stuff?'He referred to HGH,"Ward said."Brian discouraged him and then several months later, when he [Pettitte] got injured, he came back and asked Brian about it, and that's when Brian injected him. We believe that based on the fact that Andy came to Brian and asked him about HGH, it was Roger who told Andy about HGH and that's why he asked Brian about it."

Former major leaguer Chuck Knoblauch had not been tracked down as of early Wednesday evening by federal marshals trying to serve him a subpoena from a House panel investigating steroids in baseball, a committee staffer told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.

Knoblauch, a four-time All-Star who played for the Yankees, Twins and Royals from 1991-02, originally was asked to appear today for what was supposed to be the first of five depositions or transcribed interviews scheduled by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Those sessions are in preparation for a hearing Feb. 13, when the witnesses are scheduled to include seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens and his former personal trainer, Brian McNamee.

Bonds wants dismissal

Barry Bonds asked a federal judge to dismiss perjury charges against him Wednesday, arguing the indictment is"scattershot"and noted for its"striking inartfulness."

Bonds was charged in November with lying to a grand jury about his use of performance-enhancing drugs.

In the motion filed in San Francisco federal court, the former San Francisco Giant neither admits nor denies taking the drugs, but argues the questions asked by prosecutors during a December 2003 grand jury appearance were vague, ambiguous and confusing.

Yanks set payroll record

The New York Yankees did finish first in something last year -- spending.

While their streak of AL East titles ended at nine, the Yankees wound up with a record payroll of $218.3 million.

The World Series champion Boston Red Sox were a distant second at $155.4 million, according to information received by clubs from the commissioner's office.

In addition to the largest payroll, the Yankees have the highest revenue in the majors. New York took in $415 million last year, giving about $100 million of it away in the sport's revenue-sharing plan.

Briefly

Indians:RHP Rafael Betancourt agreed to a $5.4 million, two-year contract to avoid arbitration.

Devil Rays:RHP James Shields agreed to a $11.25 million, four-year contract. Shields'deal includes three team options that could make it worth about $38 million over seven years. Performance bonuses could boost the value to approximately $44 million.

Padres:General manager Kevin Towers received a two-year contract extension that runs through 2010. Terms were not disclosed.

Pirates:RHP Jaret Wright agreed on a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

ONLINE: mlb.com

Colorado and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki are finalizing a six-year contract with a club option for 2014 that could be announced today, a source told The Associated Press.

Media reports say the deal is worth about $30 million, which would be a record for a player with less than two years of experience. Cleveland center fielder Grady Sizemore signed a $23.5 million deal before the 2006 season.

Briefly

Steroids:A Congressional committee subpoenaed former Yankee Chuck Knoblauch after Knoblauch failed to respond to an invitation to give a deposition.

Padres:General manager Kevin Towers has agreed to a two-year contract extension that runs through 2010, two sources told AP.

Astros:One of Roger Clemens'agents said the pitcher is considering an invitation to appear at a Houston pitching camp next week and appreciates the Astros"standing by him"after allegations of steroids use.... Thirty-year-old reliever Dave Borkowski (5-3, 5.15 ERA in 2007) and Houston agreed to a one-year, $800,000 contract, avoiding arbitration.

White Sox:Free-agent reliever Octavio Dotel, 34, agreed to a two-year, $11 million deal. Dotel (2-1, 4.11 ERA in 2007) says he feels 100 percent; a shoulder injury limited him to 30 2/3 innings last year.

Dodgers:Citing unspecified family issues, Don Mattingly stepped aside as Los Angeles'hitting coach and was replaced by Triple A hitting coach Mike Easler. Mattingly is now LA's major league special assignment coach, but his duties haven't been defined.

Reds:Free-agent reliever Jeremy Affeldt, 28, agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract with Cincinnati and could start this year, a source told AP.

Season opener:To see the first pitch of the season, you'll have to get up early. Boston and Oakland open with a two-game series March 25-26 in Tokyo. Both games start at 5:07 a.m. CDT.

Online demolition:Like to watch things go"boom?"The Web site homerderby.com has compiled video clips showing the demolition of several major league ballparks over the past two decades.

Red Sox:Boston agreed to minor league contracts with former Rangers relievers Dan Kolb and Dan Miceli.

Devil Rays:Tampa Bay and 26-year-old pitcher James Shields, 12-9 with a 3.85 ERA in his first full season in the majors last year, were closing in on a long-term contract and an announcement has been scheduled today.

Canseco book:Jose Canseco's steroids sequel,Vindicated, is scheduled to be released March 31.

Roger Clemens will give Congress a deposition or transcribed interview next Saturday in advance of the House hearing where the pitcher and his former trainer, Brian McNamee, are to testify.

Letters were sent to Clemens, McNamee and three other people Friday by House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform chairman Henry Waxman and ranking Republican Tom Davis.

The letters ask the witnesses to meet with committee staff on specific dates leading up to the panel's hearing Feb. 13. Clemens'lawyer said he would accept.

McNamee, who has been seeking immunity for his testimony, was asked to meet with committee staff Jan. 31. Clemens'former teammate and workout partner, Andy Pettitte, was asked to appear Jan. 30.

MLB going to China

Dodgers manager Joe Torre and Padres Hall of Famer Dave Winfield are scheduled to appear at a reception in Beijing on Jan. 24 to announce Major League Baseball's first games in China, exhibitions between Los Angeles and San Diego on March 15-16.

MLB also is opening its season in Japan for the third time when the World Series champion Boston Red Sox play the Oakland Athletics at the Tokyo Dome on March 25-26.

Tejada expected

Houston Astros general manager Ed Wade anticipates Miguel Tejada to be at spring training on Feb. 19, even as the FBI investigates whether the former AL MVP made false statements to a congressional committee about possible use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Briefly

Angels:First baseman Casey Kotchman and third baseman Macier Izturis avoided arbitration by agreeing to one-year contracts. Kotchman will be paid $1.45 million and Izturis $1.2 million.

Athletics:Pitcher Joe Blanton and Oakland agreed on a $3.7 million, one-year contract that avoided arbitration.

Diamondbacks:All-Star second baseman Orlando Hudson agreed to a one-year contract worth $6.25 million.

Reds:Reliever Bill Bray had an appendectomy and is expected to resume throwing in two weeks. Bray had the surgery in Grapevine, where he lives in the off-season.

Rockies:All-Star left fielder Matt Holliday agreed to a two-year, $23 million contract.

Twins:First baseman Justin Morneau and Minnesota agreed to a $7.4 million, one-year deal.

Tigers:Miguel Cabrera and Detroit agreed to a one-year contract worth $11.3 million.

Roger Clemens will give Congress a deposition or transcribed interview next Saturday in advance of the House hearing where the pitcher and his former trainer, Brian McNamee, are to testify. Letters were sent to Clemens, McNamee and three other people Friday by House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform chairman Henry Waxman and ranking Republican Tom Davis.

Roger Clemens'attorney, Rusty Hardin, reiterated Sunday that Clemens intends to testify before Congress next month without pleading the Fifth or seeking immunity.

An ESPN.com report said that"Hardin was hedging over the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee's request to depose Clemens under oath because it might interfere with his defamation lawsuit against personal trainer Brian McNamee."

Sunday, Hardin issued a statement that called the ESPN.com report erroneous.

Hardin's statement read as follows:"I want to make very clear that there has been absolutely no change in Roger's willingness and indeed desire to testify under oath before Congress in a public hearing at a date of the Oversight Committee's choosing. Any suggestion that he or we are having any second thoughts about that is absolutely false. All other pre-appearance issues and scheduling we will discuss privately with the committee and do not think it is appropriate to discuss those matters publicly."

The congressional hearing at which Clemens, McNamee, Andy Pettitte, Kirk Radomski and Chuck Knoblauch have been asked to appear was pushed back from this week to Feb. 13, after the scheduled sentencing of Radomski.

Briefly

Braves:Mark Kotsay appears headed for Atlanta to play center field. The Braves reached a tentative deal to acquire the oft-injured Kotsay from Oakland for reliever Joey Devine and cash, according to several media reports. The trade is contingent on Kotsay passing a physical and the commissioner's office approving the money involved.

Mets:New York outfielder Endy Chavez injured his right hamstring and right ankle while playing winter ball in Venezuela. Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz said that Chavez was expected to be ready for spring training.

Roger Clemens at the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association state convention Saturday Jan. 12, 2008 in Waco, Texas. Clemens discusseed conditioning at the convention a month before he is to testify before a congressional committee investigating the Mitchell Report. " align="left" border="0">

Roger Clemens talked about pitching and conditioning. What he didn't talk about was steroids. In a session before about 1,000 Texas high school baseball coaches Saturday, the seven-time Cy Young Award winner stuck to baseball and cracked jokes, making no mention of the allegations in the Mitchell Report that he used performance-enhancing drugs.

Congress wants to be prepared when Roger Clemens and his former trainer, Brian McNamee, head to Capitol Hill.

The House hearing involving Clemens, McNamee and Andy Pettitte was postponed Wednesday from Jan. 16 until Feb. 13.

Plans are still in place for Tuesday's hearing before the same committee about the Mitchell Report on baseball's Steroids Era. The witnesses that day will be commissioner Bud Selig, union leader Donald Fehr and former Senate majority leader George Mitchell, the report's author.

Rangers waive LHP

The Rangers placed left-handed reliever Bill White on waivers Wednesday, making room on the 40-man roster for either Kazuo Fukumori or the anticipated addition of Eddie Guardado, depending on which deal is finalized first.

Fukumori agreed to two-year, $3 million deal last month. That deal, as well as one for Guardado, are expected to be completed in the coming days.

-- Jeff Wilson

Briefly

Athletics:RHP Justin Duchscherer avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year deal.

Japan:Alex Cabrera, who was named in the Mitchell Report, agreed to a $2.2 million, one-year deal with Orix of the Pacific League.

On his first day as a Hall of Famer, Goose Gossage tossed some high, hard ones at Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds.

"I think that if you did do performance-enhancing drugs, you need to come clean and put an end to this,"Gossage said."Just fess up."

Angry that the Steroids Era has skewed statistics, Gossage said,"Now, we've got to figure out who's telling the truth, and I think that some day we will know the truth."

Gossage, the only player elected by baseball writers this year, said players shouldn't be afraid to admit they used performance-enhancing drugs.

"[Andy] Pettitte came clean. There's been other guys that said they did it,"Gossage said."Life is going to go on."

After falling short eight times in Hall of Fame voting, Gossage joined Hoyt Wilhelm (1985), Rollie Fingers (1992), Dennis Eckersley (2004) and Bruce Sutter (2006) in the Cooperstown bullpen.

After learning of the vote, Gossage said:"A shock wave went through my body like an anvil just fell on my head."

Gossage, who pitched for the Rangers in 1991, had 310 saves - 52 when he got seven outs or more. By comparison, Mariano Rivera has one and Trevor Hoffman two.

When inducted July 27, Gossage is likely to go in wearing a Yankees cap. He won his only World Series title with them in 1978.

Clemens v. McNamee

A lawyer for Brian McNamee called on Congress to demand and make public the recording of a December interview in which McNamee says two private investigators hired by Roger Clemens'attorneys tried to get him to recant the day after the Mitchell Report was released.

A House committee has asked Clemens, McNamee and others to testify Jan. 16.

Also Tuesday, police in St. Petersburg, Fla., released documents that indicate detectives believed McNamee lied to them during the 2001 investigation of a possible rape.

Clemens cited the incident as an example of McNamee's dishonesty in a defamation lawsuit filed Sunday in Texas.

WHO'S IN

Goose Gossage (466 of 543 votes, 85.8 percent; 408,

or 75 percent, needed)

The nine-time All-Star was 124-107, with 310 saves and a 3.01 ERA in 22 seasons with the Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, Rangers, Oakland A's and Seattle Mariners. He led the American League in saves in 1975,'78 and'80. He is the fifth pitcher who was primarily a reliever elected to the Hall of Fame.

Who didn't get in

Jim Rice 392 (72.2)

"What do you want me to do?"

Brian McNamee asked Roger Clemens that question -- or variations of it -- 21 times during a 17-minute taped conversation.

He never really got an answer.

A recording of last Friday's telephone call between Clemens'former trainer and the seven-time Cy Young Award winner was played at Clemens'long-awaited news conference Monday, the first time he faced a group of reporters since McNamee's accusations were made public in the Mitchell Report on Dec. 13.

"What do you want me to do? I'll go to jail, I'll do whatever you want,"McNamee said.

"I need somebody to tell the truth, Mac,"Clemens told him.

Never, though, did Clemens angrily confront McNamee during the call nor did he accuse the trainer of lying when he told Mitchell he injected Clemens at least 16 times with steroids and human growth hormone in 1998, 2000 and 2001.

Asked why Clemens never directly answered the"what do you want me to do"question, his lawyer, Rusty Hardin, said:"The last thing Roger wanted, just as we did, was any suggestion that we were trying to interfere or coerce a federal witness. So, yeah, all he kept saying [was] nothing. Except you hear him throughout saying,'Tell the truth.'"

Late Sunday, Clemens filed a defamation suit against McNamee in Texas state court, another salvo in the escalating fight between the pair, who had worked together since they met while with the Toronto Blue Jays a decade ago. Emery said McNamee probably will sue Clemens in New York.

Hardin said the pitcher was willing to testify Jan. 16 to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

McNamee also has agreed, and the pair will have to repeat their assertions under oath on Capitol Hill. Hardin said Clemens will deny any use of steroids.

Baseball makes changes

Major League Baseball eliminated a 24-hour notice of drug testing and imposed background checks on clubhouse personnel, adopting recommendations in the Mitchell Report. Also, clubhouse personnel would be subject to drug tests and all packages must be logged in. Personal trainers also were banned.

Briefly

Yankees:Andy Pettitte will be represented by Pittsburgh attorney Jay Reisinger for his upcoming statement to Congress. Reisinger represented Sammy Sosa when he testified three years ago.

Phillies:Jayson Werth (.298, 49 RBI) and Philadelphia agreed to a $1.7 million, one-year contract, avoiding arbitration. The 27-year-old Werth started 63 games.

Pirates:Right-hander Elmer Dessens (2-2, 7.15 ERA) has signed a minor league contract with Pittsburgh.

Mets:Reliever Duaner Sanchez has agreed to an $850,000, one-year contract.

Roger Clemens listens as his attorney, Rusty Hardin, speaks during a news conference about alleged steroid use Monday, Jan. 7, 2008 in Houston. Clemens has filed a defamation suit against his former trainer, Brian McNamee, who claimed to have injected him with performance-enhancing drugs. " align="left" border="0">

A lawyer for Brian McNamee called on Congress to demand and make public the recording of a December interview between his client and two private investigators hired by Roger Clemens' attorneys. The lawsuit filed Sunday by Clemens against his former trainer contains what appears to be an excerpt of the interview, which took place Dec.

New York Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens reacts after giving up a home run to Cleveland Indians' Trot Nixon in the second inning during Game 3 of an American League baseball division playoff series in this Oct. 7, 2007 file photo, at Yankee Stadium in New York. Sounding indignant and defiant in his first interview since his former personal trainer accused him of using steroids, Roger Clemens seemed to set up a confrontation with Brian McNamee in front of Congress if the pair testify under oath at a Jan. 16 hearing. " align="left" border="0">

Roger Clemens beat Brian McNamee to court, filing a defamation suit against the former trainer who claimed to have injected him with performance-enhancing drugs. Clemens filed the suit Sunday night in Harris County District Court in Texas, listing 15 alleged statements McNamee made to the baseball drug investigator George Mitchell.

Roger Clemens, left, throws alongside strength coach Brian McNamee at the Houston Astros minor league baseball mini camp in Kissimmee, Fla., in this Feb. 27, 2006 file photo. Clemens said McNamee injected him with the painkiller lidocaine and the vitamin B-12, according to the first excerpts released Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008 from the pitcher's interview with CBS's "60 Minutes." McNamee said in the Mitchell report on doping in baseball that he injected Clemens with steroids in 1998 and with steroids and human growth hormone in 2000 and 2001. " align="left" border="0">

Roger Clemens admits former trainer Brian McNamee injected him but says it was with the painkiller lidocaine and the vitamin B-12, not any performance-enhancing drugs. In the first excerpts released from the pitcher's interview with CBS's "60 Minutes," which is to be broadcast Sunday night, Clemens maintained the denials he has issued since McNamee implicated him in the Mitchell report on doping...

Torre staying out of drug controversy

Roger Clemens'lawyers are investigating accusations in the Mitchell Report that say the star pitcher used steroids and human growth hormone.

Clemens was the biggest name in this month's report by former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell that detailed widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball. The pitcher has repeatedly denied using steroids or HGH.

"To our surprise, we have identified several people who logic dictates the Mitchell team should have talked to but did not. That's troubling. We are asking questions and we encourage the news media to do the same,"Clemens'attorney, Rusty Hardin, said Wednesday in a statement.

Clemens plans to be interviewed for an episode of CBS'60 Minutesscheduled to air Jan.6. He will be available to answer questions from other reporters that day in Texas, said Hardin's spokesman, Joe Householder.

Prior to Padres

Mark Prior has a chance to revive his career with his hometown San Diego Padres in pitcher-friendly Petco Park.

The former ace agreed to a $1 million, one-year contract Wednesday.

Prior's career has been sidetracked by various injuries. He missed the 2007 season with the Chicago Cubs after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder April 24. He last pitched in 2006.