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Report: House Staffers Draft Clemens Letter

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A Tribune staff, wire report

Published: February 26, 2008

WASHINGTON - A draft letter asking the Justice Department to investigate whether Roger Clemens made false statements to Congress has been written by House staffers, The New York Times reported on its Web site Monday, citing three unidentified lawyers familiar with the matter.

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held the Feb. 13 hearing at which personal trainer Brian McNamee repeated his allegations that he injected Clemens with steroids and human growth hormone - and Clemens repeated his denials. Both men spoke under oath during depositions and at the hearing.

Karen Lightfoot, spokeswoman for committee chairman Henry Waxman, would not comment when asked about the existence of the draft letter. Waxman's chief of staff did not respond to telephone or e-mail messages.

Waxman and ranking Republican Tom Davis have been working in concert during the committee's look at steroids in baseball, dating to the 2005 hearing with Mark McGwire.

ASTROS: Roger Clemens' oldest son says his father will work with minor-leaguers at Houston's spring training, but didn't say when he would arrive.

"He'll be down here eventually," said Koby Clemens, a catcher in the Astros' farm system.

The Astros have said Clemens is still welcome despite the steroid controversy surrounding him.

CARDINALS: Manager Tony La Russa had interest in signing Barry Bonds the last two offseasons, but each time the team's front office decided against it.

La Russa, who was looking for a power bat to protect No. 3 hitter Albert Pujols each year, said he was told the asking price for the home run king was too high. This winter, La Russa said he dropped the issue after a discussion with new general manager John Mozeliak.

CUBS: Second baseman Mark DeRosa traveled to Chicago to see a cardiologist after being hospitalized for a rapid heartbeat during fielding drills over the weekend.

The Cubs said DeRosa's irregular heartbeat was not life-threatening. DeRosa said he hoped he could be back on the field next week.

METS: Duaner Sanchez pitched in a game for the first time since July 2006, when his right shoulder was separated in a taxi accident in Florida. He gave up two hits and walked a batter, striking out one in a scoreless inning.

PHILLIES: Florida State, fresh off a three-game weekend sweep of Duquesne to open the season, plays an exhibition game tonight against Philadelphia at Bright House Networks Field. The game starts at 7:05 and tickets are available.

Meanwhile, closer Brad Lidge is expected to miss three to six weeks after having surgery on his right knee.

RANGERS: Right-hander Kevin Millwood was scratched from his first spring start because of a right hamstring injury.

RED SOX: Bartolo Colon agreed to a minor-league contract and will report to spring training.

ROCKIES: Left-hander Jeff Francis will start Opening Day at St. Louis.

TWINS: Pitcher Francisco Liriano said he received his U.S. visa and was preparing to travel to spring training in Fort Myers.

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