KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Roger Clemens beaned Mike Piazza in that Subway Series game in July of 2000. He could have hit him with the jagged barrel of that shattered bat, too, in October if he had really wanted to during the 2000 World Series.
“There was no intent when I whistled that bat on-deck, I just didn’t want it out there in my lap,’’ Clemens told The Post yesterday. “Obviously, he was 15 feet away. If I wanted to hit him with the bat, I could have hit him with the bat. I have pretty good aim with my targets.’’
Yes, he does, as the Piazza beaning attests.
While Clemens said he has no problem with Piazza, he does have a problem with Brian McNamee.
“You have one guy on planet Earth trying to make some money off me and telling people he was my personal trainer,’’ Clemens said. “He wasn’t my personal trainer. I had four or five other trainers. None of them taught me how to run and work hard and throw faster.’’
Clemens downplayed his Hall of Fame snub, saying, “I’m not worried about the Hall of Fame, I don’t have any control over it.’’
Clemens, who told reporters Sunday he has no plans for a comeback, spoke for nearly 30 minutes with the Astros pitching staff before yesterday’s workout. Clemens, who turns 51 in August, said he will do more behind the scenes work for the rebuilding Astros, including scouting on the amateur front.
“I’m just helping these kids take another big step forward,’’ said Clemens, who is a special instructor and was in full uniform. He signed autographs for 20 minutes, too, including signing a Yankee Stadium seat.
“The only thing that is really different is that they want me to eyeball some of the guys that they may take in the draft,’’ Clemens said.
Astros GM Jeff Luhnow was thrilled to have Clemens in camp.
“His talk was one of the most inspirational talks I’ve ever heard in my entire life, business or sports,’’ Luhnow said. “It was incredible. If the pitchers didn’t walk out of that room ready to compete, I don’t think they have it in them.’’