Rocket re-launch: Clemens rejoins Astros  —  HOUSTON — Roger Clemens is coming out of retirement for the third time, agreeing to a $22 million contract to pitch for the Houston Astros for the rest of 2006.  —  The 43-year-old Clemens, who will be entering his 23rd major league season …

Mets promote top prospect Milledge  —  Nady placed on disabled list after undergoing appendectomy  —  NEW YORK — Another piece in a puzzle that the Mets hope one day will lead to years of long lasting success arrived at Shea Stadium in unexpected fashion Monday evening.

Notes: Pauley to make his debut  —  Right-hander called up from Portland with Wells hurt  —  TORONTO — With one David down, the Red Sox got another to take his place.  —  Right-hander David Pauley joined the Sox in Toronto on Tuesday and is expected to make his Major League debut …

Royals fire Baird to clear path for hiring Moore as GM  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — The Royals fired general manager Allard Baird on this morning in anticipation of announcing the hiring of Atlanta assistant Dayton Moore as his replacement.  —  The club declined official comment regarding the moves, but Baird confirmed he had been fired.

Home not so sweet for Cordero  —  If you skip the drivel here at the top and go down to the questions and answers, you are going to say: "Why didn't that idiot address what in the world is going on with Francisco Cordero?  I know I asked a question about it."

Edmonds has tests  —  Cardinals center fielder Jim Edmonds, his lower abdomen sore enough to keep him out of the starting lineup for four consecutive games, will see a specialist in sports hernias after Wednesday's game, Cardinals officials said Tuesday night.

Sheff may go on DL yet again  —  DETROIT - Just as the Yankees thought Gary Sheffield was getting healthy, they find out he may be heading right back to the disabled list.  —  Sheffield was frustrated and despondent last night as he exited Comerica Park, stopping only briefly to talk with the Daily News and one other reporter.

Marlins sink talk of trade  —  DETROIT - There was plenty of speculation yesterday that the Yankees, Phillies and Marlins were working on a three-way deal that would put Pat Burrell in pinstripes, send Dontrelle Willis to Philadelphia and stock the low-budget Marlins with prospects, but the trade talk was quickly shot down.

Eischen Likely Out for Season  —  PHILADELPHIA, May 31 — Washington Nationals reliever Joey Eischen, a veteran who earned respect by taking the ball whenever manager Frank Robinson wanted but who has been ineffective this season, has an injury to the rotator cuff in his left shoulder and likely …

Baseball's Rockies seek revival on two levels  —  DENVER — No copies of Playboy or Penthouse are in the clubhouse of baseball's Colorado Rockies.  There's not even a Maxim.  The only reading materials are daily newspapers, sports and car magazines and the Bible.

Notes: Lo Duca leading All-Star voting  —  Mets catcher has slim lead over Piazza for starting nod  —  NEW YORK — Paul Lo Duca was announced as the leading All-Star vote-getter for National League catchers in the first totals released by Major League Baseball.