Astros Sign Brocail

The Astros have signed Doug Brocail to a one year deal worth 2.5 million dollars with an option for 2009. Brocail was 5-1 with a 3.05 ERA while holding hitters to a .228 average. He played with the Astros back in 1995 and 1996, and although he was not as effective as he was this year, he should be a valuable piece to their bullpen: "Doug is a battle-tested, veteran reliever who will make our bullpen stronger,'' new Astros general manager Ed Wade said. "He's a great competitor and has shown the ability to pitch a lot while performing equally well against both left-handed and right-handed hitters.'' From what I have heard, the Astros are not done searching for pitchers, so expect them to add at least one more reliever.