Astros sign RHP Brocail

Dec 2, 2008 - 10:17 PM HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The Houston Astros signed reliever Doug Brocail to a one-year, $2.5 million deal Tuesday, hours after declining to offer the righthander arbitration.

The deal also includes a club option for 2010 worth $2.85 million, plus incentives, with a provision that allows the Astros to buy out the option at $250,000.

"We're very pleased to have Doug back for 2009," Astros general manager Ed Wade said. "We had certain expectations when we signed Doug a year ago, and he met or exceeded every one of them.

"His presence on the mound, in the bullpen and in the clubhouse exudes professionalism and the competitive fire that championship teams need."

Brocail, 41, was 7-5 with a 3.93 ERA in a career-high 72 relief appearances last season. The 14-season veteran is 51-48 with a 3.99 ERA and nine saves in 606 career games with the San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers and Astros.

Houston declined arbitration to Brocail, lefthander Randy Wolf, infielder Mark Loretta and catcher Brad Ausmus earlier in the day. Wade is hopeful he can sign Wolf and Loretta.

Meanwhile, Ausmus has expressed a desire to play on the West Coast and also is contemplating retirement.

"Our decision to not offer arbitration doesn't close the door on our ability to get deals done with our guys," Wade said.

"In Randy Wolf's case, we've had to back off our negotiations for economic reasons, but we can still re-engage at a later date if we can create greater payroll flexibility. In the case of Mark Loretta, we'd like to let things play out for now."