Astros' alterations are tied to Clemens' decision

Long after the Astros had been swept from the World Series, manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura emerged from the home dugout to pay tribute to the small band of Astros fans who remained at Minute Maid Park to watch the White Sox celebrate their Series win. Garner and Purpura held their hands high, giving a round of applause and a we're-not-worthy bow to the crowd.

"This," Purpura said, "makes you want to get started on building for next season right now."

For Houston, that building could wind up being little more than tinkering.

* The club must determine the status of Roger Clemens, who made $18 million in 2005. He's 43 and finished the year with an injured hamstring, but he also led the majors with a 1.87 ERA. If Clemens returns, he likely will do so at about the same salary, leaving the Astros without much payroll flexibility. The team is hoping to get a quick answer from Clemens, who waited until January to announce his return last offseason.

* If Clemens retires, Purpura can then pursue a big-time bat. But at what position? The roster is mostly set, except at first base. Jeff Bagwell, 37, missed most of 2005 with a shoulder injury but plans on being the starter in 2006. That puts the Astros in a delicate spot: If the team signs a slugging first baseman, the move might be perceived as chilly treatment of Bagwell, a 15-year veteran who is set to make $17 million in '06.

* The Astros most likely will count on the development of younger players to boost the offense. Jason Lane had a breakout season in 2005 and could complete a nice middle of the order with Lance Berkman, who had a subpar year because of a slow start after he suffered an offseason injury, and Morgan Ensberg. If speedster Willy Taveras can reduce the number of times he strikes out, he could replace Craig Biggio as the leadoff hitter.--S.D.

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