Clemens had concluded his storied career in undistinguished fashion

Clemens' 10-week trial was the culmination of a saga that began in December 2007, when the Mitchell Report accused Clemens of using steroids and human growth hormone.

Clemens had concluded his storied career in undistinguished fashion two months before the Mitchell Report was released. After signing a $28 million contract to come out of retirement, the seven-time Cy Young Award winner went 6-6 with a 4.18 ERA for the Yankees, then gave up three runs in 2? innings in his only playoff start.

The path to Clemens' return, Smithsaid, was laid by conversations the pitcher had with Skeeters manager Gary Gaetti, the former major league third baseman who served as the Astros hitting coach from 2004-2006. Clemens pitched for the Astros during those years.