HOUSTON -- Jeff Bagwell's induction to the Hall of Fame this year raised the Astros' profile in Cooperstown and provided a goal for the franchise's succeeding stars to pursue.
It's clear what Roger Clemens and Billy Wagner need from Baseball Writers' Association of America Hall of Fame voters to approach Bagwell's standard. Clemens hopes that his support will continue to grow. Wagner must wish for a semblance of the momentum Clemens has enjoyed.
The pair of former Astros have taken divergent paths toward the 2018 Hall of Fame ballot, which was released Monday.
Having endured the talk of performance-enhancing drug use that affected his reputation, Clemens has seen support for his Hall of Fame candidacy increase by virtually 50 percent in recent years.