The Houston Astros decision whether or not to offer 41 year old reliever Doug Brocail was apparently an easy one. As it turns out, the team had a deal in place to bring the veteran back. The Astros made the deal official today, announcing that they've signed Brocail to a contract worth $2.5 million that includes performance insentives as well as a team option for a second year at $2.85 million.
Houston has been keeping a sharp eye on their bottom line this post season, breaking off negotiations with pitcher Randy Wolf opting to sign injury plagued Mike Hampton to an incentive ladden deal as well as declining Brocail's option that would have guaranteed him $3.25 million in favor of the $2.5 million deal announced today. While I can understand the value of being frugal in the midst of a recession and uncertain earnings, this seems like an aweful long way the team to go for at most, 3/4's of a million bucks (depending on which incentives Brocail hits this year).
