'The Rocket' will be launched from Houston for at least one more season. Seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens announced he would return to the Houston Astros in 2005, signing a one-year contract worth a reported $18 million. That will make Clemens the highest paid pitcher in baseball.

Last year, Clemens was paid only $5 million, way below what he was worth in baseball's free agent market. The veteran hurler said he agreed to join the Astros because it was close to home and his friend Andy Pettitte has signed with Houston. Clemens finished the season with an impressive 18-4 record and a 2.98 ERA to win his seventh Cy Young Award.

This season, Clemens will get his full market value. The $18 million deal puts his salary at $500,000 more than what the New York Mets paid free agent pitcher Pedro Martinez. Clemens had asked for $22 million to return but negotiations between the pitcher's agents, Randy and Alan Hendricks and the Astros concluded today with a deal for $18 million.

The 42-year-old right-hander is presently in 10th place in career wins with 328 and second in all-time strikeouts with 4,317. He trails all-time leader Nolan Ryan by nearly 1,400 strikeouts.

The deal makes Clemens the fourth highest paid player in the major leagues behind the Yankees Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez and Derek Jeter.