Astros declined to offer arbitration to RHP Roger Clemens, LHP Andy Pettitte, INF Aubrey Huff and RHP Russ Springer.
It seems the Astros would prefer to spend what money they have now rather than set any aside for extra draft picks next summer. Declining to offer arbitration to a free agent is no longer the big issue it was in the past. Unlike last year, when there was a drop-dead date after which the Astros could no longer negotiate with Clemens, they can now re-sign him whenever they wish.
Source: RotoWorld