Astros Leave Clemens Behind

The Houston Astros declined to offer salary arbitration to Roger Clemens on Wednesday, a move that means he can’t re-sign with the National League champions until May 1.

The seven-time Cy Young Award winner spent the last two seasons with his hometown team and hasn’t decided whether to pitch next year or retire. At 43, he led the major leagues in earned-run average at 1.87, going 13-8 to help the Astros reach the World Series for the first time.

“This is probably one of the more gut-wrenching ... decisions we’ve made as an organization,” General Manager Tim Purpura said. “It’s one of these things that you regret to have to do.... We need to move forward, and we don’t know just what Roger’s status will be for next year.”

Clemens made $18 million, and 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.

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All-Star second baseman Alfonso Soriano was traded by the Texas Rangers to the Washington Nationals for Brad Wilkerson, Terrmel Sledge and a minor league pitcher.

With a rare combination of power and speed, Soriano has been one of the most productive infielders in the majors the last four years.

He hit .268 with 36 homers, 104 runs batted in and 30 stolen bases last season.

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Trevor Hoffman will stay with the San Diego Padres, agreeing to a $13.5-million, two-year contract that includes an option for 2008.

Hoffman’s agents also had been negotiating with the Cleveland Indians at the winter meetings before he agreed to stay with the Padres.

The Padres also traded second baseman Mark Loretta to the Boston Red Sox for catcher Doug Mirabelli.

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The Florida Marlins probably finished their salary purge, sending center fielder Juan Pierre to the Chicago Cubs for right-hander Sergio Mitre and double-A pitchers Ricky Nolasco and Renyel Pinto.

The only high-priced player remaining on the Marlin roster is 22-game winner Dontrelle Willis, who is eligible for salary arbitration for the first time but not expected to be traded.

Pierre, 28, batted .276 with 181 hits, 96 runs and 57 stolen bases last season.

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The Toronto Blue Jays acquired first baseman Lyle Overbay from the Milwaukee Brewers for right-hander Dave Bush, outfield prospect Gabe Gross and a player to be named.... Left-hander Jamie Moyer, 43, is staying with the Seattle Mariners, agreeing to a $5.5-million, one-year contract.... Third baseman Sean Burroughs was traded from the Padres to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for right-hander Dewon Brazelton.... Closer Bob Wickman agreed to a $5-million, one-year contract with Cleveland, hours after the club failed to lure Hoffman.... The New York Mets officially cut ties with Mike Piazza, declining to offer arbitration to the former Dodger catcher.... The Chicago White Sox cut ties with slugger Frank Thomas, declining to offer him salary arbitration. The World Series champions also declined to offer arbitration to designated hitter Carl Everett and backup catcher Raul Casanova.... The Pittsburgh Pirates traded left-hander Mark Redman to the Kansas City Royals for pitcher Jonah Bayliss and a player to be named.... Left-hander Ray King was traded from St. Louis to Colorado for outfielder Larry Bigbie and infielder Aaron Miles.