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 …

Milledge Hopes to Show He Has Staying Power  —  Lastings Milledge had an ominous beginning to his first day in the major leagues with the Mets as his flight from Providence, R.I., to LaGuardia Airport was canceled and his second flight was delayed.  Milledge was still languishing at the airport …

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."

Phillies Notes |  Lieber could be out for 3 weeks  —  Phillies Notes  —  Jon Lieber's worrisome groin injury will not immediately kick open the door for a grand encore by Phillies phenom Cole Hamels.  —  Lieber has been relegated to the 15-day disabled list - and could be shelved …

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 …

Walking Cabrera can be damaging to a pitcher's ERA  —  · Check out how many intentional walks the Giants have issued and you'll get a good sense of what manager Felipe Alou thinks of them.  —  "I don't like intentional walks," Alou said, after putting up four fingers when Miguel Cabrera came …

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.

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.

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.

Astros coach's son missing after pickup truck fire  —  Investigators report no human remains found in burned vehicle  —  One of Houston Astros coach Jose Cruz's sons is considered missing after a pickup he had been driving was found on fire near an office building in Katy earlier this month.

Kazmir Deal Is a Debt the Mets Still Owe  —  Four out of every five days, the Mets are a resurgent franchise, flush with charismatic leaders and bankable stars, hailed for their progressive thinking and bold strategy.  —  But on the fifth day, when Scott Kazmir takes the mound for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays …

Pirates Notebook: Next up?  A platoon in right ... maybe  —  Could Jeromy Burnitz and Craig Wilson platoon in right field?  —  On April 4 in Milwaukee, Pirates manager Jim Tracy was asked that question and answered authoritatively: "Make sure you're aware of this: This is not a platoon situation with Jeromy Burnitz.

Ask Mark Gonzales  —  The Tribune's White Sox writer answers readers' questions every week during the season  —  I must not understand the rules concerning Rule 5 draft.  I thought if you lost a player, he would be offered back if the team didn't keep him on the 25-man roster.

Rivera Buys the Yankees Some Time to Regroup  —  DETROIT, May 30 — An unwritten rule of managing is never use your closer in a tie game on the road.  The theory is easy to understand: if you get a lead, you will need someone to preserve it.  You might as well save the closer.