$22 Million????

What's scary is, he might even be worth it...

Roger Clemens filed for a record $22 million in salary arbitration on Tuesday, and the Houston Astros offered the seven-time Cy Young Award winner $13.5 million.

The Rocket, who helped lead the Astros within one win of their first World Series appearance, still has not decided whether to pitch this year or retire.

Until now, the highest figure ever submitted for arbitration was $18.5 million in 2001 by New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, who then agreed to a $189 million, 10-year deal.

The highest salary ever earned by a pitcher in a single season was $17.5 million, last year by Boston's Pedro Martinez.

Clemens did take a below-market deal last season, but apparently that's not going to happen this year. Maybe the Astros can sign him and trade him back to the Yankees, so Steinbrenner can pursue a $300 million payroll.