HOUSTON -- Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte said Tuesday they will file for free agency in the coming weeks but haven't decided whether they will return for the 2007 season.
The two pitchers participated in Clemens' annual charity golf tournament at Shadowhawk Golf Club in Sugar Land, Texas, on Tuesday. Both said they haven't made up their minds if they will play next season, let alone where.
Pettitte, 34, plans to take some more time off before making his decision.
"I know it's difficult maybe for people to understand," Pettitte said. "I'm just not sure if I want to play, so I'm just trying to take some time back. Obviously for me to feel that way, I have some serious burnout."
The left-hander has battled injuries in recent seasons. He was 14-13 with the Astros last season with a 4.20 ERA, including 8-4 with a 2.93 mark after the All-Star break.
"I know I'm young. I realize I'm young," Pettitte said. "Just right now, I don't know exactly what I want to do. I just need to take some good time away and I'm trying not to think about baseball. I didn't watch any of the playoffs. I'm just trying to spend time down at my ranch and spend time with my family, and in a couple of weeks I'll really try to bear down and [decide]."
Pettitte's comments surprised Clemens, but the seven-time Cy Young Award winner is equally uncertain about whether he will pitch again.
"I'd have to tell you I'm surprised about that with Andy," Clemens said. "I'm surprised a little bit. He's got a lot to give. He's still young. He's a competitor. It may or may not play into my decision, but I hope he plays. I have a lot of wishes for Andy. I want him to play here at home, because he's great and he can help this club win. I know he's had his ties to the Yankees, too. I'd love to see him knock down Whitey Ford's record as a left-hander."
Ford, a Hall of Famer, won 236 games in 16 seasons with the Yankees. Pettitte, 37-26 the last three seasons with Houston, won 149 games in nine seasons with the Yankees before joining the Astros. Pettitte's career record is 186-104.
