By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Gerry Hunsicker considered the initial discussions a one-day phenomenon.

The Astros would talk. Free agent Andy Pettitte and his representatives would listen.

The end.

"But as the week unfolded, it became obvious that there was serious interest on their part," Houston's general manager said. "As the whole thing was unfolding, you began to realize what a special opportunity this was."

Pettitte left the only team he had known for the only other one that made sense.

The Astros signed the former Yankees left-hander pitcher and Houston-area resident to a three-year, $31.5 million contract Dec. 11.

"Did I think it would happen? I just didn't," Astros manager Jimy Williams said. "I'm certainly happy it has."

The signing of Pettitte, who won 149 of the 283 games he pitched while with the Yankees from 1995-2003, got Houston excited about its Astros again.

Pettitte came bearing a gift - one that solidified an already talented starting rotation.

With urging from his family and good friend Pettitte, Houston-resident Roger Clemens ended a three-month retirement to satisfy the still gnawing desire to compete.

The Astros signed the six-time Cy Young Award winner, who was celebrated during his retirement tour last season, to a one-year contract.

"Their attachment to Houston really is what put it over the edge," Hunsicker said. "It wasn't like we were going out looking at Bartolo Colon and Vladimir Guerrero.

"I don't think the mindset would've been there from a financial standpoint if there wasn't this special connection to Houston."

Together they bring nearly 900 games of experience and six World Series rings to an Astros pitching staff that includes potential Cy Young Award winner Roy Oswalt, Wade Miller and Tim Redding.

"That may be the most valuable, especially with the number of young pitchers that we have," Houston catcher Brad Ausmus said. "They can watch Andy and Roger go about their business. Watch them on the mound in tight situations to see how they react and how focused they are when they're pitching."

Clemens continues to defy his age.

At 41 years old, he is sitting on 310 wins and 4,099 strikeouts and has won 20 or more games in six seasons. He went 17-9 with a 3.91 ERA in 33 starts with the Yankees last season.

"I had no intention of coming back," Clemens said. "I was pretty satisfied with everything except losing in the World Series. I wouldn't be here if (Pettitte) wasn't here.

"There's no looking back. I've made a commitment."

Pettitte, 31, is coming off his second career 20-win season and is tied with Braves closer John Smoltz for the most postseason wins (13).

"I think he was probably the best left-handed pitcher that I faced last year," Reds right fielder Austin Kearns said. "He's just as good as all those other guys (on Houston's staff). He hides the ball well and mixes it up well."

Joining the Astros, and the National League, will prove different for Pettitte and Clemens.

Both have spent their entire careers in the American League, where pitchers bat only during the few interleague games.

"It's totally different," Pettitte said. "There are a lot more little things we have to pay attention to."

Yet there are no regrets.

"I'll miss stepping on the mound in (Yankee Stadium) with a full house, seeing some of the guys you dreamed of meeting," Pettitte said. "That was a great time. We'll never forget that. Hopefully we'll make some new great memories here."