December 2, 2008 The Houston Astros announced that they have signed pitcher Doug Brocail to a one-year, $2.5-million contract, according to Astros.com.
Our View:Brocail was solid out of the Astros bullpen last year with a record of 7-5 and a solid WHIP of 1.22.
November 30, 2008 The Astros would like to retain Doug Brocail, but have until 11 p.m. CT on Monday to offer him arbitration, according to the Astros' official website.
Our View:Brocail, who held a solid 1.22 WHIP in 2008, qualifies as a Type-A free agent, meaning if the Astros offer arbitration and he declines and inks elsewhere, the Astros would receive the signing team's first-round pick (or second round if the first-rounder is one of the top 15 picks), plus an additional supplemental-round pick. The club is looking to improve a thin farm system and could benefit from this scenario.
November 29, 2008 Despite not talking for the last week, the Houston Astros did make a contract offer to reliever Doug Brocail and remain very interested in signing him, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Our View:Brocail was an effective piece of the team's bullpen last year, sporting a 1.22 WHIP and averaging 8.39 K/9. He threw in 72 games for the team last year.
November 12, 2008 MLB.com reports that Doug Brocail has been offered a contract by his former team the Houston Astros. The Astros had previously declined Brocail's $3.25 million option for 2009, but hope to re-sign him for less money.
Our View:Brocail has indicated a desire to return, though multiple teams in addition to Houston, including the Red Sox, are interested in the right-hander. Brocail went 7-5 with a 3.93 ERA in a career-high 72 appearances last season.
November 11, 2008 The Astros declined Doug Brocail's 2009 option, but the veteran reliever is still a top priority for the club to re-sign, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Our View:The 41-year-old held a solid 1.22 WHIP over 68.2 innings of relief in 2008, and is viewed as a top leader of the club.
