According to Jason Stark of ESPN, The Astros wanted Pettitte back, but would not part with an extra $2 million to get it done. To me that says that they either were faking it to cover their asses with the fans, or they are the dumbest executives in the world.
So you're willing to go $14 million per, but not $16 mil? Ok.
Now Stark reports, it is more likely that Clemens lands in Pinstripes (even though he's had an awesome couple of years, I fear a Kevin Brown/Randy Johnson kind of experience if he comes back to NYC at what, 44 now?)...