The Associated Press

HOUSTON - After coaxing Roger Clemens out of retirement, the Houston Astros had to add staff, telephone lines and personnel to sell tickets and field calls from excited fans.

"This has been one of the best days of my life," Pam Gardner, the club's vice president for business operations, said last week.

After topping 3 million in the first year at Minute Maid Park, Houston's attendance slipped below 2.5 last season.

Another run at 3 million is possible, especially if Andy Pettitte and Clemens bring a Central Division championship. That would be good news for Clemens, whose undersized deal includes $1.4 million in attendance bonuses.

RED SOX: Boston and right-handed reliever Scott Williamson agreed to terms on a one-year contract Saturday, avoiding arbitration.

The Red Sox acquired Williamson from the Reds in July. He went 0-1 with a 6.20 ERA in 24 relief appearances following the trade. But he played a key role in the playoffs, going 2-0 with three saves and a 1.12 ERA in eight appearances, striking out 14 in eight innings.

The 27-year-old Williamson appeared in all five games of the AL division series against the Oakland Athletics and won the third and fourth games.

He earned saves in all three of Boston's wins over the New York Yankees in the AL championship series, allowing a run on one hit and striking out six in three innings.

Williamson, who earned $1.6 million last season, is 25-23 with 54 saves and a 3.13 ERA in 241 career appearances.

EXPOS: Montreal agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Rocky Biddle, avoiding arbitration.

Biddle led the Expos in saves (34) and appearances (73) last season and went 5-8 with a 4.65 ERA.

The 27-year-old Biddle ranked fifth in the NL in saves, converting 34 of 41 chances.